Prepare for a theatrical experience that brings people together and celebrates life. The Peterite Arts Foundation, in proud association with World Vision Lanka, announces the showing of an amateur production arranged with Casarotto Ramsay & Associates Ltd. Every Brilliant Thing, the acclaimed solo play by Duncan Macmillan and Jonny Donahoe. Directed by Theruni Indrapala, the play's lead is played by former Peterite Mario de Soyza. This uplifting, interactive production will run at Kamatha Studio, BMICH, Colombo, from 05 to 08 November 2026.

Every Brilliant Thing tells a deeply moving yet joyful story. At seven, the narrator begins listing everything worth living for, from ‘ice cream’ and ‘things with stripes’ to ‘rollercoasters’, hoping to help his mother through depression. Over time, the list grows to more than a million entries and becomes a lifelong source of comfort for the narrator.

What began as a short monologue in 2006 has grown into a global phenomenon, performed in more than 80 countries across five continents. Its hopeful message has reached audiences in extraordinary settings, including aboard the USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier. The play has also been translated into 44 languages, including Arabic and Greek, with a special Chinese adaptation titled Every Brilliant Little Thing.

The play’s need for emotional intelligence, openness and a strong connection with the audience attracted a distinguished line-up of performers. Following a successful West End run featuring Sue Perkins and Minnie Driver, the play made its Broadway debut at the Hudson Theatre, where it ran from 21 February to 9 August 2026. Tony Award winner Daniel Radcliffe opened the Broadway production, receiving critical acclaim and a Tony nomination for Best Lead Actor in a Play. Law & Order: SVU icon Mariska Hargitay then made her official Broadway debut in the role, followed by Golden Globe winner Tracee Ellis Ross, who closed the run.

The global hit comes to Sri Lanka through The Peterite Arts Foundation. Building on St Peter’s College’s tradition of nurturing creativity and excellence in the arts, the Foundation supports emerging talent and connects students, alumni and audiences. Previous productions include “Caught in the Net” (2024), directed by Surein de S Wijeyeratne and produced by Jerome L. de Silva. "This production is an exciting new step for us," said Mahesh Senarathne for The Peterite Arts Foundation. "Every Brilliant Thing is intimate, funny, moving, and refreshingly different. It brings performers and audiences together for a shared experience. This is the kind of bold, modern storytelling we want to explore as we grow our role in Colombo’s theatre scene. We are thrilled that Theruni agreed to direct this play for us, because she has a real talent for building honest, creative connections between a story and its audience."

Theruni Indrapala is part of a new generation of Sri Lankan theatre-makers. An emerging director, actor, singer and drama coach, she began her career as a performer in acclaimed productions including Grease Yaka Returns, Yauwane, and I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. As a director, she led Visakha Vidyalaya to win the Shakespeare Drama Competition in 2025 and Co-created Diga Kalisama for Ananda Drama, which won the Royal Interact Drama Competition. "Directing Every Brilliant Thing is an exciting challenge," said Theruni Indrapala. "The play removes many of the usual barriers between actor and audience. It needs to feel spontaneous and real, but underneath, it is carefully crafted storytelling. Creating that sense of joy and closeness every night is very exciting."

Speaking of World Vision association, Stanlake Kaziboni, Director, Partnerships and Resource Development at World Vision Lanka. “Mental well-being is an important foundation for children and young people to learn, grow, and build resilient communities. Through our partnership with this inspiring production, we hope to encourage conversations about mental well-being and remind young people that their thoughts, feelings, relationships, and experiences matter. By celebrating the everyday moments that make life meaningful, we can help create environments where young people feel connected, supported, and empowered to thrive.”

Join in and add your voice. Every Brilliant Thing will be performed in Colombo from November 05th to the 08, 2026. Await further information on ticket purchases and on how to support the Every Mind Matters campaign, or visit peterite.arts.