Piedmont Arts will host Virginia Stage Company’s highly celebrated touring production of “Every Brilliant Thing” in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month. This event will be held in the Gravely-Lester Art Garden on Thursday, May 9. In addition to this beautiful and life-affirming production, Piedmont Arts will also be hosting a community resource fair and a special edition of their Make Some Noise: Open Mic Night. The community resource fair begins at 5:30 p.m., the open mic begins at 6:30 p.m., and the performance by Virginia Stage begins at 7:30 p.m. A cash bar will be available. Tickets are pay-what-you-can to ensure that the arts and mental health resources are accessible to all. Tickets may be reserved by calling Piedmont Arts or by going online to PiedmontArts.org. In case of inclement weather, this event will be held indoors at Piedmont Arts.
The community resource fair will begin at 5:30 p.m. Booths will be set up by numerous mental health organizations, food pantries, drug and alcohol awareness groups, and various other organizations that promote the health and well-being of the citizens of Martinsville and Henry County. By gathering these groups together, Piedmont Arts hopes to make connections and raise awareness for the many people who are working tirelessly for the care of our community.
At 6:30 p.m., a special edition of their Make Some Noise: Open Mic Night will take place. Hosted by local teacher and musician Greg Hackenberg, these events seek to amplify and celebrate the unique voices and perspectives held by our community. Participants will need to sign-up early for a five-minute slot where they can share their original poetry, music, spoken word, comedy, or any other art form. These events are always exciting and expressive.
Finally, at 7:30 p.m., Virginia Stage Company will take the stage for their performance of “Every Brilliant Thing” by Duncan Macmillan and Jonny Donahoe. This powerful story is told from the perspective of a single performer. An immersive storytelling experience performed in the round that blends comedy, improv, and audience interaction to tell the story of someone growing up in the shadow of their mother’s struggle with suicidal depression while learning to grapple with their own journey. “Every Brilliant Thing” provides a life-affirming jolt of humanism, reminding us that hope comes from the miracles of life’s minutiae. A talk back will be held after the performance for the audience, community partners, and performers.
“This event was created to celebrate and honor every individual in Martinsville and Henry County by providing access to the arts and to organizations that champion mental health and well-being,” said Lauren Ellis, programs coordinator at Piedmont Arts. She added, “The root of a healthy community is by creating opportunities to gather, celebrate all of the things that make us unique, and address where we need help, love, and support.”
