David Byrne & Mala Gaonkar's THEATER OF THE MIND Cast Announced
All-Chicago company will lead audiences through Goodman’s newest immersive theatrical project.
By: A.A. Cristi Feb. 09, 2026
Goodman Theatre has announced the cast for THEATER OF THE MIND, a new immersive theatrical experience co-created by David Byrne and writer Mala Gaonkar and directed by Andrew Scoville. The project is part of the Goodman’s centennial programming and will be presented at the Reid Murdoch Building in downtown Chicago.
The 75-minute immersive experience will be guided by an all-Chicago cast of performers who lead small groups of audience members through a journey centered on perception, imagination, and self-reflection. The cast includes James Earl Jones II, Elizabeth Laidlaw, Helen Joo Lee, Em Modaff, Victor Musoni, AJ Paramo, Shariba Rivers, Kelli Simpkins, and Lucky Stiff. Maidenwena Alba and Emily Zhang will serve as understudies, with Alba also acting as assistant director.
Walter Artistic Director Susan V. Booth said the project reflects the Goodman’s commitment to ambitious, large-scale work during its 100th anniversary season, noting that THEATER OF THE MIND represents a new kind of theatrical experience for the city.
Director Andrew Scoville emphasized the role of the performers, describing the cast as central to guiding audiences through an intimate experience that challenges expectations of traditional theater.
THEATER OF THE MIND is produced in special arrangement with Arbutus, a not-for-profit organization founded by David Byrne. Support for the production includes the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, Illinois Office of Tourism, Northern Trust, and Friedman Properties.
Company
THEATER OF THE MIND
Co-created by David Byrne and Mala Gaonkar
Directed by Andrew Scoville
Guides: James Earl Jones II, Elizabeth Laidlaw, Helen Joo Lee, Em Modaff, Victor Musoni, AJ Paramo, Shariba Rivers, Kelli Simpkins, Lucky Stiff
Understudy: Emily Zhang
Assistant Director / Understudy: Maidenwena Alba
Creative Team
Technology Director: Heidi Boisvert, PhD
Technology Producer: LeeAnn Rossi
Scenic Designer: Neil Patel
Costume Designer: Sarita Fellows
Lighting Designer: Jeannette Oi-Suk Yew
Sound Designer: Cody Spencer
Casting: Lauren Port, CSA
Performance Information
THEATER OF THE MIND is presented at the Reid Murdoch Building, 333 N. LaSalle Street, Chicago. Performances begin every 15 minutes, with 16 audience members per experience. Tickets range from $66–$96 and are available through The Goodman Theatre Box Office, by phone at 312-443-3800, or online.
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