The History of BrainWorks

What began as an annual TED-style lecture series about advances in neuroscience became medical science theater, introducing 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 theater 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 glioblastoma, 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, Nine PBS 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 won a 2016 Regional Emmy for Best Informational/Instructional Program.

Playwrights

View the Theater Performance Program: