ABOUT THE SHOW
"Brighter Than the Sun" is an autobiographical musical that delves into the poignant relationship between a young man and his grandmother, both hailing from South Georgia. Their parallel journeys through life form the heart of this narrative, offering a simple yet profoundly evocative exploration of shattered dreams, the bonds of family, and the perpetual cycles of birth and mortality that define every human story.
At its core, this show celebrates sisterhood and female friendship, anchored by three resilient yet multifaceted women. Collin, our narrator and protagonist, finds himself looking for comfort in their separate stories and strength. The script intricately weaves the threads of lineage and identity. Collin draws inspiration from the rich tapestry of his extended family to connect his lineage and hometown to his own evolving identity. As he rediscovers his love for his roots and himself, the characters undergo similar trials and epiphanies.
This production has earned acclaim as the recipient of the New Georgia Playwright's Grant and garnered a rapturous response during its inaugural workshop in partnership with The University of
Georgia. The Blackshear Times hailed it as "the kind of theater that changes people forever."
The genesis of this show emerges from a deep personal connection, rooted in the grandmother's profound influence during the author's childhood. Her unassuming yet extraordinary life left an indelible impact on those she encountered. When she passed away in 2019, the author felt compelled to compile the anecdotes she had shared over the years. The solitude of the pandemic provided the time and space for contemplation, birthing this play into existence. It has since grown into a cherished creation that resonates with countless people.
"Brighter Than the Sun" serves as a vessel for healing, mourning, growth, and reflection on those individuals in our lives who lived modestly and beautifully, but whose stories may fade into the annals of time. This production sparks essential conversations, shedding light on the smaller legacies that quietly uphold us as global citizens today.
ABOUT THE PLAYWRIGHT
Collin Hendley is an Actor, Writer, and Composer based out of New York City. Born and raised in South Georgia, his work often reflects the joys and trials of leading an existence in the contemporary South. His artistic pursuits began with small projects such as backyard musicals and poolside cabarets, making stages where there often were none. Following a successful career with his high school theatre group, he went on to pursue degrees in Theatre and Entertainment and Media from The University of Georgia. His recent New York Theatre credits include Nun/Bob/Dancer in Beatrice at the cell theater and Inmate/Ensemble in Of The Dream That Was My Life… at American Theater of Actors. He is incredibly passionate about empowered storytelling, and exploring the boundaries of what theatrical presentation can seek to provide audiences. He hopes that Brighter Than The Sun will grant you the space and opportunity to reflect on those giants in each of our lives who have stories that deserve to be shared within the artistic canon at large.
“My grandmother, Bobbie O’Quinn, was one of the most integral people in my childhood, and lived an exquisite life that left little to no legacy beyond the people she touched and encountered over the years. When she passed away suddenly in 2019, I knew that I wanted to compile several anecdotes that she had shared with me over the years. The pandemic gave me the space and time to sit with my thoughts, and suddenly the play was born and has evolved into something that so many people now hold dear. The piece serves as a container to allow healing, grieving, growth, and reflection on those people in our own lives who lived simply and beautifully, and who will most likely disappear into the past with time. Brighter Than The Sun sparks conversations that are necessary in order to illuminate the smaller legacies that exist and uphold all of us today as citizens of the world. We hope you will join us and allow our story to conjure reflection upon the human beings who helped you in becoming the individual you are today.”
- Collin Hendley