Production & process note:
The word theater comes from the Greek word Theatron which means “the seeing place.” When the prefix “amphi” is added to it, the “amphitheater” becomes the place one goes to see in both directions. Where I can see you and you can see me. This play only works if we can see each other. If we can be in community and laugh and process both the joys and tragedies of life together.
Here in the Dome, not only are you seen by your fellow audience members and the community around you—you’re also heard, as you read aloud your piece of a list of everything that makes life worth living. This play is anything but a one-person show—it is a piece created by the unique collection of people in the room each time it is performed.
Your presence is so important to this gathering.
You as an audience member bring your unique perspective, your unique voice, your unique wisdom to this space and fundamentally shape the show. And beyond that, we hope that you’ll join us in continuing to use your voice once the show is over, in a community conversation where we can sit together, having witnessed and created this performance.
One of the most invigorating parts of this process was talking to members of the Yale community about how to approach the sensitive themes of the show. Every person we spoke to helped us better understand the nuances of this complicated story, while also making us fall more deeply in love with it, and more excited to share it with you.
As you’ll see, the list of every brilliant thing is born in a crisis but is inspired by the kindness of strangers. While we have no expectations that this show will guide someone out of their personal darkness or resolve one’s pain from witnessing a loved one’s anguish, we feel we shouldn’t overlook the power of just being in the presence of random strangers. Especially those who offer chocolate and “aren’t too unusual.”
— Samantha White & Marty Chandler