91²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ

Everybody

By Branden Jacobs-Jenkins
Directed by Catherine Ming T’ien Duffly

Nov 15-23, 2024
Diver Studio Theatre, 91²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ

Everybody by Branden Jacobs Jenkins is a funny, contemporary adaptation of the 15th-century morality play, Everyman. The story follows "Everybody" on a journey with Death, exploring themes of life, death, and human connection. With roles assigned by lottery, each evening of performance will be unique.

Director’s Note

In this play, Everybody finds themself on a journey, in which they must account for their life. At times, it feels like they are trapped in a sitcom of their own life—the set, itself, evokes a sitcom soundstage, highlighting the strange, performative nature of life itself. They turn to friends and family and even their worldly possessions in an attempt to make sense of their life, to find solidarity and support as they go on their journey. There are moments when Everybody feels, and, let’s be honest, truly is completely alone in their suffering. But they discover that Love is the one thing that they have at the end. Indeed, it has been with them all throughout their journey, whether they acknowledged it or not. There’s a lot in there that resonates for me right now. How about you?

As we face a national administration that leaves us with more questions than answers, inviting fear and anxiety and preying on our feelings of isolation and grief, I am more grateful than ever for moments of shared community. It has been meaningful to be in a community of theatre makers, producing this play in which we witness the power of connection and the enduring presence of Love. It is a reminder that, even as we navigate our own uncertainties—and while our journey may feel solitary—the strength we find in loving connection can anchor us, becoming a source of resilience.

(poster design by Charlie Wilcox, photos by Nina Johnson)