Theatre

Beowulf: Reforged

A searingly contemporary translation of this ancient epic where heroes and monsters roam the earth.

$29.50
Sessions & Tickets
Two figures are staring at each other in front of a fire while sparks fly all around them. On the left is a figure wearing an ornate helmet which reflects the light from the fire. On the right is an older white man with stubble, staring intently back at the helmet.
Felix Nobis, a white man with grey hair and short stubble stares broodingly at the camera. In between the camera and Felix is a blurred outline of what seems to be a claw reaching for him. Felix wears a navy linen shirt, with the collar un-buttoned.

Image Credit: Jaimi Houston

Two figures are staring at each other in front of a fire while sparks fly all around them. On the left is a figure wearing an ornate helmet which reflects the light from the fire. On the right is an older white man with stubble, staring intently back at the helmet.
Felix Nobis, a white man with grey hair and short stubble stares broodingly at the camera. In between the camera and Felix is a blurred outline of what seems to be a claw reaching for him. Felix wears a navy linen shirt, with the collar un-buttoned.

  • Created and Performed by: Felix Nobis

  • Produced by: Ryan Hamilton

  • Design by: Georgie Wolfe

Two decades after the first sold-out season at Edinburgh Fringe Festival, actor, poet and Beowulf scholar Felix Nobis returns to his celebrated translation and solo performance of this classic Anglo-Saxon poem.

A mighty Scandinavian warrior named Beowulf comes to aid the beleaguered Danish king, who has suffered at the hands of a blood-thirsty monster named Grendel. Beowulf journeys across the land facing dragons, monsters, and his own mortality in a bid to protect his world. This is a story of loyalty, compassion, and courage, even when all the odds are against you.

One of Melbourne's only working blacksmith forges sets the scene for Dr Felix Nobis’ performance which was once described by Nobel Prize Winner Seamus Heaney as "true to the poetry of the original and enthralling to a contemporary audience." Now, in 2024 Dr Nobis returns to Beowulf with a strikingly accessible evening of suspense and storytelling.

"Old fashioned story-telling, sweeping, melodramatic and compelling."
The Age ☆☆☆☆

"Beowulf is spellbinding. Felix Nobis gives a masterly performance which, like all good story telling, transports you far away and to another world."
Irish Examiner

"For 65 minutes he conjures a world in which courage is the root of all virtue and Beowulf the most courageous of men."
The Sydney Morning Herald

If you're curious to learn more about the history of the Beowulf manuscript, Dr Felix Nobis is also presenting "The Beowulf Manuscript: A Performed History" as part of Melbourne Fringe. 

About Felix Nobis

Felix is a poet, playwright and actor. He is also a Senior Lecture in the School of Music and Performance at Monash University and holds a PhD in medieval storytelling traditions.

Felix’s television credits include the ongoing roles of Dr Simon Lloyd in the second series of MDA and Rob Griffin in JANUS (both ABC). Stage work includes The Tempest with John Bell at Belvoir Street, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Revenger’s Tragedy for Sydney Theatre Company, and Hellbent for Red Stitch Theatre Company. Film work includes Flirting with Nicole Kidman. In 2007 - 2009 Felix toured Australia and America as the narrator of the arena spectacular Walking with Dinosaurs – the live experience.

As a poet-performer Felix has toured his own translation of the medieval epic poem Beowulf as a one-person show throughout America and Europe. The translation was adapted for radio for ABC Radio National’s Poetica program, for which he has also produced a number of radio program. His poetical narrative Once Upon a Barstool was commissioned by An Chomhairle Ealaíon (Irish Arts Council) and premiered in Cork, Ireland. It enjoyed a successful season at La Mama Theatre, and a tour of regional Victoria in 2009. A collection of Felix’s poetry has been recorded and released by the literary journal Going Down Swinging, by whom he was also commissioned to compose a new poetic narrative poem Kein Zeitung am Tisch (2014). Felix has been Affiliate Writer with Melbourne Theatre Company, and was awarded the R. E. Ross Trust Script Development award for his verse play Boy out of the Country (Currency Press). This play toured Melbourne and Regional Victoria and was included on the VCE Theatre syllabus in 2016 and a new production was recently staged in Sydney.

  • Duration: 60 minutes

  • Age suitability: M

  • Event warnings: Contains Sustained Bright Lights, Mild Coarse Language, Both Sudden And Sustained Loud Noises.

  • Content warnings: Violence, Alcohol Use, Death, Murder.

  • Full: $29.50

  • Hump Day Discount: $22.12

  • Concession: $19.50

  • Extra Applause: $39.50

  • Blak Tix: $10.00

  • Group 4+: $24.50

Sessions: In Person Events

A single $5.50 transaction fee applies to your booking.

Date Time Venue

Wednesday, 02 October 2024

7:30pm

Waterside Forge

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Thursday, 03 October 2024

7:30pm

Waterside Forge

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Friday, 04 October 2024

7:30pm

Waterside Forge

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Saturday, 05 October 2024

7:30pm

Waterside Forge

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Wednesday, 09 October 2024

7:30pm

Waterside Forge

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Thursday, 10 October 2024

7:30pm

Waterside Forge

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Friday, 11 October 2024

7:30pm

Waterside Forge

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Saturday, 12 October 2024

7:30pm

Waterside Forge

 Get Tickets

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