Image courtesy of McClay.

The HopKins Black Box theatre at Louisiana State University, in collaboration with artists and scholars from LSU and the New Orleans arts community, presents Unwinding the Universe, a new performance that explores the lived experience of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) and other forms of neurodiversity. Created and performed by internationally renowned sculptor, performance artist, and Pliner Professor of Art Malcolm McClay, the work is directed by New Orleans-based artist Jeff Becker, with sound design by Derryl & Helen Haymon Professor of Music Dr. Stephen David Beck. 

Unwinding the Universe is a multidisciplinary art piece that combines live performance, sculpture, installation, film, and immersive sound design to explore the intersections of neuropsychological science and artmaking. The piece aims to represent the mental and physical experience of being a neurodivergent individual in a neurotypical society through a variety of immersive scenes, including large-scale sculptural installations and an original score. The performance will run for two days in the HopKins Black Box theatre (137 Coates Hall)—November 13, and 16—with additional performances in New Orleans in 2026.

The project is more than simply the performance, however; it is part of a larger arts-based research initiative funded by an LSU Provost’s Fund for Innovation in Research Award. As part of this research, Dr. Elia Soto, assistant professor of psychology with expertise in ADHD, will be collecting data before and after each performance to scientifically examine the psychological impacts of the performance on attending audience members’ knowledge and perceptions of ADHD. Further, each performance will be followed by a panel discussion led by Dr. Soto. The panel will feature mental health providers and specialists who will engage with the audience on the themes of the performance, seeking to increase understanding and reduce stigma surrounding neurodevelopmental conditions. Dr. Travis Brisini, assistant professor of performance studies, producing director of the HopKins Black Box theatre, and producer for the project, will also be writing scholarly articles and catalog entries that frame the work within the contemporary movement of multidisciplinary arts-based research.

“Drawing inspiration from those with ADHD that have managed to overcome and embrace the many cognitive and sensory/perceptual differences they experience is crucial and an impactful first step towards broadening our understanding of ADHD, reducing stigma, and, ultimately, improving life outcomes,” the researchers said.

Unwinding the Universe offers a unique and artistic first step towards broadening the public’s understanding of ADHD.

Performance Dates and Times: November 13, 7:30 p.m.; November 16, 2:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Location: HopKins Black Box Theatre (137 Coates Hall), LSU Campus, Baton Rouge
A donation will be accepted at the door for all performances.

For more information, please contact Malcolm McClay at mmclay@lsu.edu or Travis Brisini at tbrisini@lsu.edu, or visit the theatre website for information and seat reservations.

Read more about the project: Malcolm McClay Leads Interdisciplinary Team to Address ADHD Through Art | COLLEGE OF ART & DESIGN