Play Spotlights Mental Health with Truth, Humor

“Every Brilliant Thing” — a play that injects uplifting energy into a complex conversation about mental health — returned to Old Dominion 91��Ƶ for two free shows at the Baron and Ellin Gordon Art Galleries on March 18, 2025.

A post-performance panel discussion about mental health and suicide — led by Dr. Emily Goodman-Scott, professor in ODU’s Department of Counseling and Human Services — put the show’s themes into context.

The “Every Brilliant Thing” production by Virginia Stage Company has been performed in as many as 60 locations since 2022.

“In this immersive performing arts production, the audience experiences a story about what it means to be human, including, one person’s experience with mental health, suicide, and depression, as well as resiliency, relationships, and joy,” Goodman-Scott wrote after the ODU performances. She’s seen the play between 8 and 10 times. “The tone is set to offer a setting ripe for discussion, reflection, growth and awareness — that otherwise may not have occurred in this way.”

This gallery shows images from the Gordon Gallery daytime performance. Images by Michael DiBari Jr.

Actor Greg Dragas engages with the audience as he performs “Every Brilliant Thing,” March 18, 2025, at Old Dominion 91��Ƶ. Image by Michael DiBari Jr.

Greg Dragas plays in the lead role of “Every Brilliant Thing.” Image by Michael DiBari Jr.

An audience member participates. Image by Michael DiBari Jr.

Dragas interacts with the audience. Image by Michael DiBari Jr.

Audience members look on during the March 18 matinee. Image by Michael DiBari Jr.

In the story of “Every Brilliant Thing,” the narrator compiles a list of everything that he finds valuable, beautiful or remarkable in his world. Image by Michael DiBari Jr.

Dragas congratulates audience members near the end of the show. Image by Michael DiBari Jr.

The post-performance panel featured, left to right, Clarence Bumpas, an ODU doctoral student in counseling education and supervision; Christine Marie Turner, also a doctoral student; Stephanie Smith-Durkin, ODU Assistant Professor in the Department of Counseling & Human Services; and Michelle Peterson from the Sarah Michelle Peterson Foundation. Image by Michael DiBari Jr.

Stephanie Smith-Durkin adds to the discussion. Image by Michael DiBari Jr.

Dr. Emily Goodman-Scott, professor in ODU’s Department of Counseling and Human Services, leads the panel’s conversation. Image by Michael DiBari Jr.