Cookie Machine: A Mumbai Theatre Gem Blending Rock ’n’ Roll, Journalism & Human Connection
- Kenneth Hopkins
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
When a fading American rock legend meets a Mumbai journalist known for digging deep, sparks—and secrets—fly. “Cookie Machine,” the latest theatre production by Jeff Goldberg, is not just another play. It’s a psychological drama about fame, loneliness, and the hunger for connection, set right in the heart of Bandra’s Chimbai Village Theatre.
The Story: When Rock Meets Reality
Jack Ray, a once-iconic American musician, lands in Mumbai for what seems like a simple interview with Karim Shaikh, a celebrated Rolling Stone journalist. But the night takes an unexpected turn. Over music, memories, and unspoken regrets, the two men open up about fame, failure, and the scars success leaves behind. What begins as an interview slowly transforms into a deep, emotional confrontation—with both men forced to face their truths.
The story’s intimacy mirrors Mumbai itself—vibrant yet raw, glamorous yet grounded.
Show Details
Jeff Goldberg: A Multifaceted Artist Shaping Indian Theatre and Cinema
Early Life and Education
Jeff Goldberg is an American actor, director, screenwriter, and educator born on May 12, 1978, in Boston. He earned his Bachelor’s in Film and Television from Boston University, followed by a Graduate Degree in Film Direction from EICAR – The International Film School of Paris. This rich academic foundation helped him build a career that bridges continents and creative disciplines.
Early Career in Europe
In his 20s, Goldberg wrote and directed his first independent feature film, “Solomon Enev,” which premiered at the 14th St. Petersburg International Film Festival. His screenplay “Aleksander Rouge” later won Best Screenplay at the ECU European Independent Film Festival. He also acted in the French television mini-series “Rani,” where he played Robert Clive, showcasing his range both in front of and behind the camera.
Transition to India and Bollywood
Goldberg’s Indian journey began in 2006, when he co-wrote a screenplay with acclaimed Indo-French filmmaker Pan Nalin based on Manto’s “Toba Tek Singh.” The project won Best Project at the Pusan Promotion Plan at South Korea’s Pusan International Film Festival.
Since then, he has lived between Mumbai, Paris, and New York, appearing in major Indian films such as:
Pathaan (2023) – as Anton
Sam Bahadur (2023) – as Henry Kissinger
Raag Desh (2017) – as Hugh Toye
Hawaizaada (2015) – as Wilson
Angry Indian Goddesses (2015) – as Cliff
Not Out (2022) – as Francois
He also lent his voice to the award-winning animated film “Do The Good (Pensou)”, which won Best Animation Film at IFFI, Goa.
The Goldberg Method and Theatre Legacy
In India’s theatre landscape, Jeff Goldberg is best known for developing The Goldberg Method—an acting technique rooted in psychological depth and emotional truth, inspired by the Lee Strasberg tradition of method acting.
Notable Theatre Works
Wisdom (2013) — wrote, directed, and starred at St. Andrews Theatre, Bandra
Should I Stay or Should I Go (2023) — written and directed by Goldberg, starring Aish Pandit
California Suite — a reimagined classic
The Great Indian Robbery — an original Indian production
Cookie Machine — his latest masterpiece, merging rock-n-roll mythology with introspection
The Jeff Goldberg Studio – Bandra’s Theatre Powerhouse
Founded in 2013, The Jeff Goldberg Studio in Khar (West) has become one of India’s finest acting schools. It trains aspiring actors in:
The Goldberg Method
Scriptwriting & Directing Workshops
Performance-Art Exploration
The studio has collaborated with organisations like Salaam Bombay, Teach For India, and Being With Beti, using the arts to empower youth and communities.
Global Teaching and Recognition
Goldberg has taught at prestigious institutions worldwide, including:
Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute, NYC
School of Visual Arts, NYC
Fordham University, NYC
EICAR Film School, Paris (as Co-Founder and Director)
His work has earned film festival recognitions in Paris, London, Los Angeles, Kansas, and Busan, and TEDx honours for advancing storytelling in the performing arts.
Artistic Vision
Goldberg’s philosophy centres on truthful performance and human vulnerability. In Cookie Machine, this philosophy takes tangible form—turning the stage into a confessional space where characters expose their deepest wounds. His journey from Boston to Bandra defines him as a truly transnational artist, blending Western technique with Indian emotionality—a bridge between worlds.
Cookie Machine – A Creative Culmination
As writer, director, and actor, Jeff Goldberg unites his diverse experiences into one theatrical vision. His portrayal of Jack Ray, the faded rockstar, draws from his own mastery of internal conflict—making “Cookie Machine” both intellectually sharp and emotionally raw.
Alongside him, Yashraj delivers a compelling performance that heightens the tension, reflecting the journalist’s sharp curiosity and moral complexity.
Why Cookie Machine Stands Out
Deep, relatable themes of fame, legacy, and redemption
Mumbai’s indie theatre energy in Bandra’s Chimbai Village
Bilingual format for accessibility (English + Hindi)
A rare 10-day limited run
Led by one of the most acclaimed acting coaches in India
“Cookie Machine” isn’t just a play—it’s a mirror for artists and audiences alike, a reflection on the price of brilliance and the longing for connection in a noisy world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the play Cookie Machine about?
Cookie Machine is a psychological drama play written, directed, and performed by Jeff Goldberg, exploring an emotional confrontation between an aging American rockstar and an Indian journalist in Mumbai. The story dives deep into themes of fame, loneliness, legacy, and self-discovery, making it one of the most compelling contemporary English-Hindi theatre productions in India.
2. Who is Jeff Goldberg and why is he important in Indian theatre?
Jeff Goldberg is an American actor, director, screenwriter, and educator who has made a major impact on Indian theatre and film. Trained in Boston and Paris, he is the founder of The Jeff Goldberg Studio in Bandra, Mumbai, and the creator of the Goldberg Method—a unique acting technique emphasizing psychological depth and authenticity.Goldberg has acted in films like Pathaan (2023), Sam Bahadur (2023), and Raag Desh (2017), while mentoring hundreds of upcoming Indian actors through his studio.
3. Where is Cookie Machine being performed in Mumbai?
The play Cookie Machine is staged at the Chimbai Village Theatre in Bandra, Mumbai, a cozy performance space known for supporting independent theatre and experimental drama. The location adds to the play’s emotional intimacy and raw realism.
4. When and where can I book tickets for Cookie Machine by Jeff Goldberg?
You can book tickets for Cookie Machine exclusively on BookMyShow. The play runs from November 7 to November 16, 2025, with evening shows at 8:00 PM. Tickets start at ₹399 onwards. It’s a limited 10-day run, so early booking is recommended for theatre lovers in Mumbai.
5. What languages is Cookie Machine performed in?
The play is performed in English and Hindi, making it accessible to a wide range of Mumbai audiences. The bilingual dialogue enhances its authenticity, reflecting the cosmopolitan character of Bandra and connecting with both local and global viewers.
6. Who stars in Cookie Machine besides Jeff Goldberg?
The play features Jeff Goldberg in the lead role as the rockstar Jack Ray, with Yashraj in a powerful supporting role. Their on-stage chemistry drives the narrative’s emotional tension and introspection, offering a gripping two-actor theatre experience rarely seen in India today.
7. What makes Cookie Machine unique among Mumbai theatre productions?
Unlike conventional comedies or musicals, Cookie Machine stands out as a psychological mystery drama that focuses on conversation, emotional realism, and character study. The play’s minimalist design, bilingual dialogue, and strong performances make it a must-watch for fans of serious drama and method acting in India.
8. Is Cookie Machine suitable for all audiences?
The play is rated 16 years and above due to its mature emotional themes, intense dialogue, and psychological undertones. It is best suited for adults who appreciate introspective theatre and deep storytelling.
9. What is The Jeff Goldberg Studio and how is it connected to the play?
The Jeff Goldberg Studio is one of India’s leading acting schools, founded in 2013 in Bandra, Mumbai. It trains aspiring actors in method acting, screenwriting, and direction using the Goldberg Method. Cookie Machine is produced by The Jeff Goldberg Studio, reflecting the studio’s ethos of bold, meaningful theatre rooted in truth and performance excellence.
10. Why should I watch Cookie Machine in Mumbai?
You should watch Cookie Machine if you love intense storytelling, realistic acting, and emotionally charged theatre. It combines the sophistication of global drama with the energy of Mumbai’s indie stage scene. Whether you’re a fan of Jeff Goldberg’s work, a Bandra culture enthusiast, or simply someone who enjoys thought-provoking theatre, this production promises an unforgettable experience.
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