David Byrne has embarked on a unique journey into neuroscience, ignited by a study from Sweden’s Karolinska Institutet. This research focused on how individuals perceive their surroundings based on their own height. It revealed that being tricked into feeling like a doll or giant affects one’s world view. Although Byrne can’t recall the exact year he read the study, he acknowledges that it has significantly shaped his artistic endeavors over the past decade.
Intriguing Collaboration in Chicago
Now at the age of 73, Byrne, an accomplished musician, visual artist, and film director, has partnered with the Goodman Theatre in Chicago to premiere “Theater of the Mind.” This interactive show is set to open on March 11 and promises to immerse audiences in a sensory experience.
Joining Byrne in this creative venture is Mala Gaonkar, a hedge fund manager who also writes fiction. The couple shares a passion for neuroscience, which deepened their relationship during the project’s development. They were married last year and consulted with various scholars throughout their research, spanning across universities from Stockholm to Urbana-Champaign.
Experience the Neuroscience of Perception
“Theater of the Mind” is not a traditional musical or concert. It is a site-specific production that takes audiences through a series of ten distinct rooms, each with a chapter of a host character’s life, told in reverse order. Although the character shares Byrne’s name, the narrative is not autobiographical, drawing inspiration from aspects of both Byrne’s and Gaonkar’s experiences.
- Each room integrates various neuroscience concepts.
- Techniques include low-tech effects like disco balls and colored lights.
- High-tech experiences feature virtual reality, allowing audience members to experience life from a different perspective.
“What does it feel like to be a foot and a half tall?” Byrne asks. “You’ll find out.” While music is an integral part of Byrne’s career, the production largely minimizes its use due to its complexity in affecting the brain. However, Byrne did create one new song for this theatrical endeavor, which director Andrew Scoville describes as a hit.
From Concept to Reality
The initial version of this innovative performance, originally titled “Neurosociety,” debuted in the Bay Area in 2016 without a definitive storyline. Consequently, it underwent significant revisions before fully staging in Denver in 2022. This performance took place in a former cannabis-growing warehouse and served as a testing ground for the current show.
In Chicago, Goodman Theatre has transformed 15,000 square feet of a historic building to accommodate the performance. The Reid Murdoch Building, a red-brick landmark on the river’s north bank, now serves as the backdrop for this immersive experience. Tickets are currently on sale through May 31, with hopes of an extended run should audience response be favorable.
Byrne expresses his aspiration for “Theater of the Mind” to become a memorable destination for visitors. With its engaging exploration of how our minds work, this show promises to challenge perceptions and ignite curiosity among participants.
