Kickstarter

Arcas Productions is bringing Beowulf to the stage in a theatrical adaptation of the classic epic poem. We are combining a verse translation of the poem with movement to bring Beowulf to life. The action fits the words like dance to music to create a unique theatrical event. While we are telling the story that is told in the poem, using the poem, we are playing with time and space in the way that only theatre can, illuminating the text in new ways.

At its most basic, Beowulf is storytelling. Ten warriors take the audience on an epic fantasy action-adventure. The term "action-theatre" best describes the genre, because this is theatre that never stops moving, and centers around physical conflicts. The action is highly stylized, drawing influence from video games and comics. Though the show is very violent at times (that was, after all, the medieval world), the violence is all suggested. Each audience member will experience the action and violence in his or her own way, dictated only by the filters of his or her imagination. The beauty of this kind of theatre is collective imagination, suspended in disbelief.

The set for the show will be ropes. Lots of ropes. Imagine a giant Cat's Cradle that transforms as the show moves from one location to another. This will be incredibly cool. The costumes and props will reflect this rope world to varying degrees, with Grendel's mother using ropes as tentacles and hair, and certain key props made of rope.

We are little over one month into rehearsals, and the show is completely (roughly) blocked. Right now, it's a sketch, and we're beginning to ink and color. We're working to costume Grendel and Grendel's Mother first, and then the rest of the cast. We are right on track for a spectacular opening May 31...we just need to pay for it all!

The theater and rehearsal spaces are amazing and giving us great deals, each costing us a total of $3000.00. The run of the show is two weeks, 8 shows. Of course, if enough of you like the show and support us, we'll be able to extend our run!

The costume and props budget is $500.00, which isn't a whole lot. We're trying to keep it cheap, but we want the show to look as good as possible. The more money you give, the better the show will look (scarier monsters, cooler heros).

The ropes for the set will cost us around $500.00. We're talking a LOT of rope!

Our publicity budget is $1000.00. We want people to hear about the show! Of course, if you help us by making our video and campaign viral, we won't have to spend as much on publicity, and can put that money toward the look of the show.

Our creative team and cast are working hard to bring Beowulf to life. They are: Jeff Lynch, Director; Whitney Powell, Stage Manager; Daniel Ryan Johnston, Costumes; Jacquelyn Guerroro, Lights; Jason Laboy, Rehearsal Assistant

• Wiglaf: Jack Bradsell
• King Beowulf: Bobby Owens
• Hrothgar: Rocco Renda
• Aeschere: Newton Camp
• Grendel/Grendel's Mother: Adam Overberg
• Beowulf: Jason Clements
• Unferth: Daniel David Mendez
• Hygelac: Christopher Paulsen
• Onela: Patrick Higgs
• Messenger: Christopher Willumsen

For tickets go to: www.studio-be.org and click on "buy tickets"!