CHICAGO, IL – CIRCA Pintig, Chicago’s Filipino American theatre company now in its 34th year, announces its upcoming spring production of “Every Brilliant Thing”, the groundbreaking one-performer play by Duncan Macmillan with Jonny Donahoe. This heartfelt piece follows a narrator recounting their experience growing up with a mother living with depression. The storytelling format allows for personalization, with each performance shaped by the actor’s lived experience—resulting in a unique and emotionally resonant theatrical journey.
CIRCA Pintig’s production stars Filipina actress Mari Joy, who brings a Filipina girlhood perspective to the role, addressing the nuanced pressures of mental health within Filipino households. The performance draws from Joy’s critically acclaimed 2023 run in Utah with Vicariously Staged Productions, incorporating sound design by Melanie Kamauu.
“I infused my own Filipino identity into the performance through personal quips and nuances, creating a version of the play that was distinctly ‘pink and Pinay,’” Joy shares. CIRCA Pintig expands on this vision in the Chicago production, adding immersive elements that will resonate with the local Filipino community.
“The exaggeration of the Pink and Pinay theme is also about being unashamed—of our femininity and our culture,” Joy continues. “We will lean into the joy, resilience, and vulnerability that coexist with the conflicting expectations of the Filipina woman’s identity. Mothers are expected to be strong, and daughters to be the quintessential dalagang Pilipina.”
Directing the production is RJ Silva, newly appointed Artistic Director of CIRCA Pintig, with support from assistant director Annemarie Andeleon, a Filipina playwright and fellow Loyola University Chicago alum. Stage management is by Gabrielle Foreman.
Performances will be held at the Bayanihan Ballroom in the historic Rizal Center, Chicago’s Filipino cultural hub. CIRCA Pintig Executive Director Ginger Leopoldo expresses deep enthusiasm for the partnership with the Filipino American Council of Greater Chicago, who steward the Rizal Center.
“With the support of arts, cultural initiatives, and advocacy work, our two organizations align perfectly,” Leopoldo shares. “Now, we have a dedicated space to host workshops, Monthly Beats, events, and productions. We are incredibly grateful to the Filipino American Council of Greater Chicago for opening their hearts to our work.”
In return, CIRCA Pintig will continue to give back by providing community programming, hosting events, cultivating volunteers, and contributing in-kind donations such as new furniture for performance and reception spaces. “With plans for future convergence events, we believe that together, we are stronger and more sustainable.”
Leading up to the production will be CIRCA Pintig’s Annual Gala on Friday, April 25 at the Rizal Center, celebrating its milestone 35th year of community storytelling and engagement.
Every Brilliant Thing runs May 23, 24, 25, 30, and 31. Tickets are on sale now at circapintig.org
This Chicago production promises a sincere, culturally rooted experience—bringing the comfort of kikay aesthetics and a raw, honest portrayal of mental health, told through the lens of a Filipina voice. “It’s not just about representation,” Joy says. “It’s about fully owning who we are—and deepening the emotional truth of the piece through community understanding.”
Production Details
Friday, May 23rd 7:00 PM
Saturday, May 24th 7:00 PM
Sunday, May 25th 2:00 PM
Friday, May 30th 7:00 PM
Saturday, May 31st 2:00 PM, 7:00 PM
Tickets on Sale: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/every-brilliant-thing-a-pink-and-pinay-production
$20 general admission
$12 for students and seniors
CIRCA Pintig will never turn away guests due to financial constraints, please reach out to ginger@circapintig.org if you need assistance
About CIRCA Pintig
For 33 years, CIRCA Pintig has been at the forefront of Filipino American theatre in Chicago, creating powerful, socially relevant productions that educate, entertain, and inspire. The company remains committed to amplifying diverse voices, developing new works, and addressing pressing social issues through the power of theatre.
Media Contact
Company Name: CIRCA Pinting
Contact Person: Ginger Leopoldo
Email: Send Email
Country: United States
Website: https://www.circapintig.org/circa-pintig-springs-into-pink-and-pinay-production-of-every-brilliant-thing/