Watch David Byrne explore his immersive Theater of the Mind show before it premieres in Denver
David Byrne, a group of scientists and Radiolab co-host Latif Nasser will put their heads together on the eve of the world premiere of Byrne’s new show in Denver to reveal details about the mysterious production.
The September 12 event, which will be held at the Seawell Ballroom in the Helen Bonfils Theater Complex, is the only opportunity to see Tony and Grammy winner Byrne in person and to go “way, far behind the scenes” of the creative process and science behind its immersive “Theater of the Mind” experience, organizers said in a press statement.
“We’re excited to partner with Radiolab and prominent neuroscientists from across the country for an engaging and informative conversation that will raise money to support off-center programming,” said Off-Center Curator Charlie Miller .
Tickets to the fundraiser range from $55 to $1,000, and the high-end premium VIP tickets can include a photo opportunity with Byrne, cocktails with the creative team, and reserved seating, organizers said.
A pre-sale period is now open to all DCPA subscribers and tickets will go on sale to the public beginning Friday, May 20th. That’s the same day that tickets for the production go on sale, ranging in price from $30 to $90 depending on date, time and seat. Tickets for both events are available at theateroftheminddenver.com.
Announced in November 2019 and originally scheduled for late summer or early fall 2020, the show has been described as an experimental, immersive theatrical experience, seating only 16 people at a time. Set to take place in a massive Denver-area warehouse that would integrate both live and virtual effects, it would indulge Byrne – the former head of The Talking Heads – and co-writer Mala Gaonkar’s exploration of cutting-edge neuroscience and technology.
Given Byrne’s recent notoriety – he is behind the hit Broadway show American Utopia, which runs at New York’s St. James Theater – the announcement drew international attention and was seen as a world premiere for Denver’s arts and culture scene.
The show was postponed indefinitely in May 2020 due to COVID-related production uncertainties, but dates for the project were revived in February of that year, with previews beginning August 31, a September 13 premiere date, and an overall run date by at least until to December 18, 2022..
According to the show’s website, the 75-minute immersive experience will not include any live performances by Byrne or co-writer Mala Gaonkar. Off Center produces Theater of the Mind under the non-profit banner of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts – the latter is one of the largest theater producers in the country.
“Theater of the Mind” is set to run at York Street Yards in a 15,000-square-foot former Army medical supply depot in Denver’s Clayton neighborhood, organizers said.
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