David Byrne's Theater of the Mind
David Byrne's Theater of the Mind
#1David Byrne's Theater of the Mind
Posted: 9/19/22 at 2:02am
Attended a "performance" this evening.
It is the world premiere of his new immersive show. Very interesting and VERY David Byrne.
It is being presented by the Denver Center for the Performing Arts off site in an industrial facility. You are guided through six (or 7!) rooms" by "David". There is a story but the whole concept is about memory seen through science. The experience runs for about 75 minutes.
I was very impressed that the actors have to memorize 75 minutes of a script and also handle audience interaction. The rooms and experiences are impressive. You really need to pay attention to follow the"story", but it is meant to spark conversation about memory for the most part.
There are a few mind bending experiences. The actor had communication with a person they can immediately call if a participant is overwhelmed. That person was actually called for a person in my group. They were escorted out and waited for us in the lobby.
There was one room that I feel could have been done better. It was a dance club. But if you follow the directions given to you in the room, it's cool.
You hear Byrne's voice at times and see him as a child. He has evidently written a new song for the show as you do hear it. The show also addresses your sense of taste and smell. It moves seamlessly and had a few"wow" and mind bending experiences. One standout is a room you sit in while in total darkness for longer than you think you have. The show is very interactive.
I wish I could say more but it would ruin the experience. They supply lockers for you to put electronic in. They remind you to turn phones off if you don't use a locker and ask that you not wear smart watches inside. We just put it all in a locker. The lockers have keys that you carry with you during the show.
There was a large selection of merch. From posters, magnets and tee shirts to puzzles.
It will be interesting to see if it makes it to NYC. I suspect they are planning to bring it to NYC.
An interesting evening that sparked conversation after. I suspect they are working on it here too tweak it. The rooms are impeccably done. The script could be tweaked a bit. All in all a very fun and interesting night of theatre... In our minds.
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