Arts and Entertainment

Every Brilliant Thing

March 18 2025

12:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
ODU Baron and Ellin Gordon Art Galleries 4509 Monarch Way, Norfolk, VA 23508-2550
Free registration required for 12:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. showings. For groups of 5 or more please contact Jordan Setzer at jsetzer@vastage.org.
“Ice cream.” “Water fights.” “Peeing in the ocean and nobody knows.” A boy’s handwritten list to cheer up his mom’s struggle with suicidal depression becomes a surprisingly funny and poignant ode to humanity. Every Brilliant Thing is a transcendent and tender coming-of-age journey that reminds us to pay attention to life’s smallest joys – and to each other. This story blends comedy, improv, and audience interaction. A life-affirming jolt of humanism, reminding us that hope comes from the miracles of life’s minutiae.
65-minute performance followed by a 20-minute panel discussion with ODU experts:
Liam Costello, Assistant Director, Counseling Services
Gerri Gargan-Wark, Professional Counselor, Counseling Services
Dr. Millicent Lee, Coordinator for Diversity and Inclusive Excellence, Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity
Dr. Cassie Glenn, Assistant Professor, Clinical Psychology
Dr. Emily Goodman-Scott, Associate Professor and School Counseling Coordinator, Counseling and Human Services
Jordan Setzer, Director of Enrichment, Virginia Stage Company
CONTENT ADVISORY: This production contains discussions of depression and suicide. It is for a mature audience and is not intended for children
If you or someone you know is in crisis or thinking about self-harm or suicide, there is help available. Call or text 988 for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Find ODU-specific resources here.

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