Idris Goodwin: Bridging Stories Across Generations and Mediums
Photos by Susan Fried
Recently on The Day with Trae, Idris Goodwin, Writer and Artistic Director at Seattle Children's Theatre, joined host Trae Holiday to discuss his new children's picture book, "Your House Is Not Just A House," as well as his role at Seattle Children's Theatre and his vision for the future of intergenerational storytelling. Goodwin, an award-winning interdisciplinary writer with expertise in stage, audio, screen, and literature, shared insights into his creative endeavors.
"I've known that creativity in the arts is where my heart was since I was very little,” Goodwin said. “Growing up in the 80s with comic books, hip hop, and Star Wars, I knew I was meant to be a storyteller or filmmaker. The same spark that was in me as a little boy hasn't changed. I'm still constantly asking, 'What's the next story?'"
Since his earliest memories, creativity and the arts have been central to Goodwin's life. Raised during the vibrant cultural era of the 80s, with influences like comic books, hip hop, and Star Wars, he felt destined to become a storyteller, filmmaker, or cartoonist. Attending film school in the late 90s, he witnessed the transition from celluloid to digital filmmaking, gaining experience as a production assistant in Chicago's bustling TV industry.
Returning to school at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he discovered a passion for theater, diving into various creative outlets including hip hop music and spoken word. Chicago's rich artistic environment, akin to Seattle's, provided him with countless opportunities to explore and refine his voice.
Today, as a prominent figure at Seattle Children's Theater and a multifaceted writer, Goodwin continues to pursue his passion for storytelling. His projects, whether plays, books, or other creative endeavors, reflect the same enduring curiosity and dedication to finding and sharing compelling narratives. He embraces each new opportunity as a chance to grow and connect with audiences, always focused on what lies ahead rather than dwelling on the past.
"The pursuit of mastery is about constantly being in conversation with yourself—reflecting on your feelings, accomplishments, and always watching the game tape,” Goodwin said. “It's a negotiation between praise and criticism, staying grounded in your story and curiosity, and embracing collaboration with other creatives."
For Goodwin, the essence of mastery lies in perpetual growth and self-reflection. He likens his approach to "watching the game tape every day," a practice of reviewing and learning from past experiences. This continuous introspection fuels his evolution as an artist, steering him away from becoming complacent in success or disheartened by silence.
Navigating the highs and lows of creative endeavor, Goodwin emphasizes the importance of staying true to one's narrative and passions. He finds fulfillment in collaborative projects, whether crafting books, plays, short films, or music. These partnerships not only yield creative outcomes but also forge lasting connections with fellow artists. Reflecting on shared experiences, he cherishes the dialogues and insights gained from collaborative efforts, which sustain and inspire him along his artistic journey.
"I'm working on a new book right now that's very semi-autobiographical, about my struggles as a teenager with ADHD, or ADD as it was called then,” Goodwin said. “Reflecting at 40 plus, fully facing and treating ADHD now, I'm exploring what I got wrong then and what I wish I could have told myself. It's about bridging the gap between my artistic roots in comic books, hip hop, and spoken word, and the disconnect I felt in traditional literature classes. Storytelling transcends mediums and ages — whether on page, stage, or in my headphones."
Goodwin discussed his current project, a semi-autobiographical book focusing on his teenage ADHD struggles. Reflecting on his journey at 40+, he delves into past misunderstandings and the need for self-understanding. He highlighted the disparity between his comfort in creative mediums like comic books and hip hop versus his struggles in traditional literature classes. Amidst evolving roles from teaching artist to writer and director, the pandemic prompted him to explore new storytelling avenues, including children's literature and video poems. Embracing storytelling's universality, he emphasized its power across formats and generations, marking a personal journey of growth and liberation spanning over three decades.
"Lorraine Nam illustrated this book and really created a narrative out of it,” Goodwin said. “The poem I wrote was a general message to young people, inviting them to see their home as more than just walls and doors. It's about tapping into imagination and creativity—taking everyday objects and transforming them into something magical."
Goodwin admires the transformative power of children's theater, emphasizing its ability to engage entire families and communities, believing it brings out the best in community dynamics when all age groups are represented. As a writer and theater producer, Goodwin finds joy in the unbridled enthusiasm of young audiences, noting how they enhance the experience for adults as well. He considers children to be among the most generous and enthusiastic audience members, capable of inspiring adults with their genuine love for live theater.
"Kids are so ready to go. They watch with their whole bodies, eagerly handing over their hearts and minds, saying, 'All right, take me on a ride,’” Goodwin said.
To learn more about Goodwin visit idrisgoodwin.com.
For more on arts and culture in Seattle, tune in with Trae every weekday at 11 a.m. on all Converge Media platforms and The Day With Trae YouTube Channel.
