The Fourth Walsh

Goodman Theatre presents THEATER OF THE MIND, the one-of-a-kind immersive experience created by Academy, Grammy and Tony Award-winning artist David Byrne.

“You can change the story anytime!”

Bryne, Talking Heads frontman, introduces Chicago to perspective. His new theatrical offering is a scientific experiment couched in a funhouse with therapy-like results. Confusing? Yes. Delightful? Uh-huh! Totally original? 100%.

THEATER OF THE MIND plays mind games. You and 15 guests will spend 75 minutes walking through a series of rooms designed for sensory overload. A guide named David* leads the way to his past.  Each person has been given a new name and persona. They are linked to David casually or profoundly. The level is revealed through the storytelling as you learn more about David’s life.

There is darkness. There are goggles. There are VR headsets. Senses are heightened. Sight is distorted. Balance is challenged. This smells nostalgic. What am I tasting? It’s all the feels. I’m staying vague intentionally. This is truly performing art produced uniquely for the moment. The imaginative adventure is both poetic and puzzling. Our memories, for good or bad, change with time and input.

THEATER OF THE MIND still lingers in my head. What happened? I’m still not completely sure. The encounter is whimsy with depth. Low-key serious!     

 *Various actors play David. All the ‘Davids’ differ in ethnic, age and gender. It’s another way Byrne  messes with your head. For my performance, it was the charming Victor Musoni.      

Running Time: Seventy-five minutes with no intermission

At Reid Murdoch Building, 333 N. LaSalle

Co-created by David Byrne and Mala Gaonkar

Directed by Andrew Scoville

Performances are:

Tuesdays starting at 5:30pm

Wednesdays starting at 2pm

Thursdays starting at 5:15pm

Fridays starting at 5pm

Saturdays starting at 12pm

Sundays starting at 12:30pm

EXTENDED Thru July 12

For more information or tickets

Production photos by Todd Rosenberg

For more Chicago theatre information and reviews, please visit Theatre in Chicago