Four stories inspired by research, patients, and treatment. Presented live, on stage.
Introducing
“ The conversations we have with our patients about their care—what’s happening, the risk and the benefits—can become quite complex. Greater understanding becomes one way of healing. When we relay information in palpable and dramatic ways, it has the power to transform lives. It’s that kind of conversation Eric and I want to bring to others through BrainWorks.” Albert H. Kim, MD, PhD Washington University Neurosurgeon
About the Production What’s happening in St. Louis is an exciting constellation of leading-edge neuroscience and compelling personal narratives in an intimate theater setting. BrainWorks is a theatrical performance and a television series originally created by nationally renowned neurosurgeon-scientists, Dr. Eric C. Leuthardt and Dr. Albert H. Kim, both Washington University School of Medicine specialists treating patients at Barnes-Jewish Hospital.
Ongoing Community Engag
This multi-platform program explores the wonders of the human brain by dramatizing real-life neurological cases to reveal the science behind brain diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, brain tumors, and stroke. Drs. Kim and Leuthardt serve as our guides, making complex concepts approachable to the general public. Drs. Kim and Leuthardt, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, and the Nine Network of Public Media are collaborating to include regional and national audiences in the conversation. This production is being recorded for a national public
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television audience and will become an exciting catalyst for discussion. BrainWorks will deepen the public’s understanding of vital health issues, including the connection between the brain and overall health.
“ By combining neuroscience with an original form of storytelling, we are using new ways to connect people with how we keep the brain and ourselves healthy.” Rich Liekweg BJC HealthCare President
The History of Brainworks What began as an annual TED-style lecture series about advances in neuroscience became medical science theatre‌introducing new ways for the public to experience medicine and the human brain. In December 2014, a sell-out audience enjoyed a novel blend of medical science and theatre at the Sheldon Concert Hall in St. Louis. During the performance, science came to life through the story of Brad Eastman, a young man with a cancerous brain tumor. Inspired by one of Dr. Leuthardt’s patients, the story on stage became a powerful demonstration of how enormously complex the human brain is and the amazing power of the human spirit. This first BrainWorks performance, produced by Barnes-Jewish Hospital, featured and was written by neurosurgeons, Dr. Eric C. Leuthardt and Dr. Albert H. Kim. In 2015, the Nine Network of Public Media televised segments of this performance in a one-hour special and broadened the reach of BrainWorks to more than 500,000 people across Missouri and Illinois. The broadcast also won a 2016 Regional Emmy for Best Informational/Instructional Program.
Meet the creators and co-writers
Eric C. Leuthardt, MD
Albert H. Kim, MD, PhD
Dr. Leuthardt is changing the fields of neurosurgery and rehabilitative medicine, particularly for patients with motor disabilities, through his research in brain-computer interface technology. His integrated approach has garnered international recognition and honors, including the Top Young Innovators Award in MIT Technology Review.
Dr. Kim has made fundamental discoveries in the fields of brain development and brain tumors, including glioblastomas, meningiomas, and pituitary tumors. These findings have impacted the way we view and treat brain tumors.
Dr. Leuthardt is a neurosurgeonscientist and professor in the departments of Neurological Surgery, Biomedical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering at Washington University School of Medicine. He is the director of the Center for Innovation in Neuroscience and Technology, which fosters translation between neuroscience and clinical treatment, and the director of the Brain Laser Center, which uses MRI-guided laser therapy to treat brain tumors and other neurological conditions. Dr. Leuthardt is co-creator and co-writer of BrainWorks.
Dr. Kim is a neurosurgeon and associate professor with the departments of Neurological Surgery, Neurology, Genetics, and Developmental Biology at Washington University School of Medicine. He is surgical director of the Pituitary Center. He also leads the Laboratory for Molecular Neuro-Oncology, a progressively growing and high functioning lab focused on basic and translational scientific approaches to cure brain tumors. Dr. Kim is co-creator and co-writer of BrainWorks.
GIFTED NEUROSURGEONS
The Personal Stories The centerpiece of BrainWorks is the extraordinary, personal stories that use the best elements of theatre —professional actors, storytelling techniques, even humor—to communicate what medical science and technology understand about the brain and the current therapies available to treat brain disease. These four stories were inspired by research, real people and treatment; co-written by professional playwrights who are alumni of New Dramatists, the premier playwriting center. Most have a personal connection to the material.
X MARKS THE SPOT “The Unwelcome Tumor” Written for the Stage by Deb Margolin, Dr. Albert H. Kim and Dr. Eric C. Leuthardt Additional Story by John Walch Inspired by a number of patient stories from Barnes-Jewish Hospital, this fascinating play focuses on a mid-career professional whose personality undergoes profound changes caused by meningioma, a treatable, benign brain tumor. As the story unfolds, Dr. Kim reveals how brain tumors form and develop, and discusses surgical advances that make removing them safer for patients today.
RINSE & REPEAT “Shifting Perspectives on Alzheimer’s” Original Story by Barbara Hammond, Written for the Stage by Dr. Albert H. Kim and Dr. Eric C. Leuthardt Additional Story by John Walch A retired judge prepares for the case of her life while her granddaughter does her best to get through breakfast. Rinse & Repeat highlights the challenges, the love, and even the humor involved in having (or caring for someone) who has dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
INSPIRED BY REAL PATIENTS BRAIN INTERRUPTED “Epilepsy Off Course” Written for the Stage by Rogelio Martinez, Dr. Eric C. Leuthardt and Dr. Albert H. Kim Additional Story by John Walch In this coming-of-age story that examines epilepsy and its effects on the brain. Dr. Leuthardt walks audiences through the neuroscience of adolescence and epilepsy, and discusses new brain-mapping technology that eases the suffering of those who live with seizures.
DOUBLE WINDSOR “Second Chances After Stroke” Original Story by John Walch, Written for the Stage by Dr. Eric C. Leuthardt and Dr. Albert H. Kim The double-windsor knot is elegant, dignified, and difficult to tie under the best of circumstance—and seemingly impossible if you’ve suffered a stroke and lost the use of your left hand. Inspired by one of Dr. Leuthardt’s patients, this story demonstrates how new therapies and emerging technologies, such as the brain-computer interface, are making second chances possible for people with stroke and other traumatic brain injuries.
Playwrights Albert Kim has a degree in Chinese Literature from Harvard University. He was an author of, and actor in the Emmy award winning play, BrainWorks—Your Mind on Life. He actually does enjoy listening to classical music in his free time.
Eric Leuthardt is an award winning neurosurgeon, scientist and author. A prolific inventor, Leuthardt mixes different disciplines to create novel technologies and exciting new stories. He has authored two fictional novels, RedDevil 4 and Limbo, and written an Emmy award winning play, BrainWorks—Your Mind on Life.
John Walch, a St. Louis native, often brings themes of science and technology to life in his work. His plays have received many honors and awards, including the Kennedy Center Fund for New Plays. A two time Sloan Fellow, his work has been produced Off Broadway and in theatres across the country and is head of the MFA Playwriting Program at University of Arkansas. Walch is the playwright for Double Windsor and Story Editor for BrainWorks. Barbara Hammond has a style that’s “simple, honest and beautiful,” according to Broadway World. She is one of America’s emerging storytellers and explores themes of human connection during times of illness. She has written about Alzheimer’s and dementia from her personal experience. Hammond is the playwright for Rinse & Repeat.
Deb Margolin is an award-winning playwright and actor. She is the author of ten full-length solo performance pieces in addition to numerous multi-character plays and is the recipient of an OBIE Award for Sustained Excellence. She is a professor in Theatre Studies at Yale University. Margolin is the playwright for X Marks the Spot.
Rogelio Martinez is an award-winning playwright whose plays have been workshopped and produced in theaters across the country and abroad. He is a recipient of the Princess Grace Award, a James Hammerstein Award and a Mid-Career Fellowship at the Lark Theater Company. Martinez is the playwright for Brain Interrupted.
Performers
Albert H. Kim, MD, PhD Neurosurgeon
Eric C. Leuthardt, MD Neurosurgeon
Sophia Brown Riley, Brain Interrupted
Jeff Cummings David, X Marks the Spot and Donald Hebb, Double Windsor
Jerome Samuel Davis Sean, X Marks the Spot
Kari Ely Riley’s Mother, Brain Interrupted and Hippie Lady, Double Windsor
Perri Gaffney Carol, Rinse & Repeat
Elizabeth Ann Townsend Kate, Double Windsor and Carrie, Brain Interrupted
Alicia Revé Like Deena, Rinse & Repeat and Bri, Brain Interrupted
Eric Dean White Jack, Double Windsor and Phineas Gage, X Marks the Spot
Brian Slaten Ennis, X Marks the Spot and Jack’s Father, Double Windsor
Dan Wolfe Young Jack, Double Windsor and Newsboy, X Marks the Spot
CREATIVE TEAM Seth Gordon, Director Christine McBurney, Assistant Director Dunsi Dai, Set Designer Felia Katherine Davenport, Costume Designer Robin Nunn, Lighting Designer Amanda Werre, Sound Designer Eventuro, Video Designer
Management Team Eric C. Leuthardt, MD, Creator Albert H. Kim, MD, PhD, Creator Amy Shaw, Executive Producer Angie Carr, Project Director Megan Grisolano, Project Manager Larry Zarin, Project Consultant Kara Vaninger, Producer Bentley Blair, Production Supervisor
Production Team Terry Lee, Production Manager
Kent Samul, Production Supervisor
Stage Carpenters
Kathryn Ballard, Production Supervisor Carolyn Almberg, Alternate Production Supervisor
Andrew Amann John Amann
Maram Samaha, Production Coordinator
David Hanff
Joshua Swan, Scenic Technical Director
Michael Kopecky
Jerran Kowalski, Lighting Design Assistant
Timothy Kopecky
Tina Beck, Master Electrician
Mike Lynch, Jr.
Rodney Washington, Projectionist
Branden Ruebel
Casey Hunter, Audio Engineer
Ken Staley
Laura Skroska, Props Master
Vance Villines
Susan Byrd, Costume Shop Manager Gretchen Blow, Associate Producer Dana Glass, Associate Producer
Scenic Artists
Followspots
Scott Loebl, Chargeperson
Joshua Burgmann
Andy Cross
Zachary Grimm Paige Spizzo
Lighting Technicians Joseph Beck
Makeup Artist
Brian Marten
Maddi Weglarz-Ward
Frederick McKenna III Joseph Reilly John Snider
House Manager Michael Raymond
Audio Technicians Savannah Gipson, A2 Gary Wandell
Marketing and Publicity Kami Bathon Laura High
Projection Technicians
Corey Hollander
William Lancaster
Michael Lourie
Glenn Wells
Judy Martin Finch
Matt Huelskamp
Nick McLaren
Running Crew Brandi White, Wardrobe Head
Kara Price Shannon Joe Prosperi Kendra Whittle
Dorathy Johnston Amera Spagnoli
Props Zarah Agha Sasha Gonzales Erin Riley
Accounting
Denise Kahle, Manager Dick Skalski, Director
Credits Scenic design based on a concept by Margery and Peter Spack Staging, scenery, and video playback equipment provided by Production Support Services, Inc. Visual image content created by Eventuro Medical animation created by Blausen Medical Crew payroll services provided by Production Support Services, Inc. Photography by James Byard
Special thanks Dean David H. Perlmutter Anne Davis Cleary and the Offices of Public Affairs and Medical Public Affairs at Washington University in St. Louis Washington University Department of Neurological Surgery Webster University The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis Switch Richard J. Liekweg President and CEO of BJC Healthcare Robert Cannon President of Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Group President of BJC Healthcare Miko Kim And to all the patients and families who continue to inspire the work of Drs. Leuthardt and Kim.
In Loving Memory of Jack Galmiche, 1948–2019 Executive Producer of BrainWorks, President and CEO of Nine Network
Nine Network of Public Media is photographing and recording BrainWorks for broadcast on public television, and for promotional purposes. By entering this event, you grant permission for your image to appear in a public media production.
SIT BACK, RELAX AND OPEN UP YOUR MIND with Dr. Eric C. Leuthardt and Dr. Albert H. Kim From Dogs & Emotions to Mindfulness, Brain Coffee episodes unlock life’s little mysteries about health, wellness, entertainment, technology and how the brain makes sense of it all. Discover how your brain perceives the world.
barnesjewish.org/BrainCoffee Available on iTunes and YouTube.
Partners Barnes-Jewish Hospital is the largest hospital in Missouri and the teaching hospital for the Washington University School of Medicine. It has been recognized as one of the nation’s top hospitals by U.S. News & World Reports with many nationally ranked specialties including neurology and neurosurgery. Washington University School of Medicine is one of the top ten medical schools in the nation. Donor gifts to The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital support lifesaving research, breakthrough treatments, help for patients in financial need, care-enhancing programs and services, nursing scholarships, and community outreach to improve the health of St. Louis and beyond. Nine Network of Public Media is a multifaceted organization focused on the power of public media to strengthen civic life. It has led multiple national initiatives, including American Graduate, an effort to improve high school graduation rates. Nine Network has served the St. Louis region for more than six decades with high-quality, noncommercial television programs. Among Nine’s platforms are four distinct broadcast channels (Nine PBS, Nine PBS KIDS, Nine World, and Nine Create) and the innovative outdoor Public Media Commons.