Auckland’s community theatre space welcomes a fresh performance that bring honest conversations about mental health to the forefront, using ‘Every Brilliant Thing’ as a lens to explore how people cope, connect and find light in difficult moments.
The play’s mix of wit and vulnerability creates space for audiences to reflect on everyday struggles while still holding on to moments of hope and laughter.
The performances will be staged at the Dolphin Theatre in Onehunga from 26 to 29 March.
At the heart of the production is a one-woman performance featuring Jess Karamjeet, a comedian by profession, who describes the play as ‘every actor's dream role’.
“It has been a really creatively complex journey and I’m really excited to see how it goes in front of a full audience,” Karamjeet shared with The Indian Weekender.
For Karamjeet, the role is as demanding as it is rewarding. One of the biggest challenges, she explains, lies in balancing live music, singing and audience interaction, all while staying present in the moment.
“It’s a lot of multitasking, and I really have to be ‘in the moment’ but luckily, music is one of my greatest loves.”
There were other hurdles too, particularly memorising the 103 list numbers that form part of the script.
“My boss recently told me they think I have dyscalculia (!) but I
Beyond the technical demands, the role required something more personal, drawing on lived experiences to shape the character.
“This means my version of the narrator is shaped by my own parents, especially my Punjabi mum, and how our relationship has grown since my dad’s death in 2020,” she shared.
“Mum and I were always exceptionally close, but mental health was something I talked more about with my dad. Now we regularly check in about grief, respective mental health struggles, and how important it is to connect on those topics,” she added.
Born in the UK to a Punjabi mother and Irish/Scottish father, the 36-year-old moved to New Zealand in 2019. In a space where South Asian women remain underrepresented, she brings a voice that feels both grounded and expansive, one that speaks directly to Kiwi-Indian audiences while also reaching far beyond.
Despite its focus on difficult themes, Every Brilliant Thing is a play that despite the heavy topics, has a wonderful potential to spark joy, creativity and connection for audience members, whilst also addressing the difficulties one can face when mental health issues aren’t talked about, and are brushed under the carpet, Karamjeet explains.
“It reminds us of the importance of music, family, purpose - all things that the South Asian diaspora can relate to”
Photo credit: Dress rehearsal for the upcoming play/ LK Creative
“Knowing how typical that is of our culture, my hope is that the play can make it easier to check in with each other, to do so without shame, and to know that asking for help doesn’t make us weak,” she emphasised.
The 80-minute solo play will also feature actor Richard Martin, with the two alternating performances across the run.
At its core, the play follows a narrator navigating life while dealing with their mother’s mental health struggles, all while searching for moments of joy.
“It’s a play about the importance of connection, and it’s also really funny and life-affirming,” Karamjeet explained.
Karamjeet shared the importance of humour in one’s life and how she, as herself, has “tackled big topics” humour as a powerful tool since she was young.
“Script was co-written by a stand-up comedian, and there are so many opportunities for laughter which juxtaposes the subject’s sensitivities,” she adds.
At the same time, she is careful to emphasise the delicate balance the script maintains, ensuring the story never feels like it is making light of mental health challenges.
Her previous solo show, RAY!, also explored conversations around often unspoken topics within the South Asian community, and sparked a strong response from audiences.
“I received so many messages and comments from women who were grateful for the encouragement to talk about tough stuff.”
For Karamjeet, that response reinforces the role theatre and performance can play in opening up conversations that are often left unspoken.
She believes that storytelling, whether through theatre, music or comedy, can act as a gentle starting point, a way to make it easier for people to open up and connect.
For Every Brilliant Thing, she hopes audiences will come not just for the humour, but for the moments that linger long after the curtain falls.
“My happiest performance memories of when I’ve had Uncles and Aunties, and younger diaspora members at my shows because there’s always something they can relate to/enjoy .”