FEAST. at The Count's Den

Leonix Movement Theatre in association with Immersive Art Collective present the West Coast premiere of FEAST., a vivid reimagining of the epic poem Beowulf, as a cautionary tale. True to the ancient myth, Grendel, a monstrous creature described as ‘mankind’s enemy’ is killed by Beowulf, but it is here that FEAST. diverges. In this immersive and visceral theatre experience, Grendel’s mother throws a dinner party to seek justice for her son’s murder, only to confront her own guilt and rage. Oscillating between witty banter and pointed exploration, this heightened high fantasy crashes into the contemporary political landscape, asking the audience to collectively contemplate climate change, income inequality, and the rising forces of authoritarianism. FEAST. will have its West Coast premiere for a five-week run, March 8 through April 6, at The Count’s Den in downtown Los Angeles.

Experience this provocative one-woman, live theatrical event during an actual ‘feast,’ with charcuterie/small bites and themed drinks. The FEAST.’s host is the sea-hag mother of Grendel, an ancient magickal creature thirsting for revenge, played by Erin Schlabach. Grendel’s mother has observed humanity for centuries, and through her lens the absurdities of human behavior are illuminated. Bewildered by humanity’s choices, her perspective is both curious, comical and unrelenting. Embodying a middle-aged woman, she champions the value of women and mothers, challenging the audience to look inward while also staying connected to the power and hope found in community.

The tale of Beowulf has been recirculated for over one thousand years; the brutal victory of man over monster resonating with people across millennia. This solo play was written (and originally performed) by playwright and comedian Megan Gogerty. Gogerty shifts the perspective of the story in FEAST., which first premiered in Iowa City at the Riverside Theatre in 2019, taking the spotlight away from the slaying hero, giving it to the mother of the slain instead.

“One of the many interesting aspects about FEAST. for me, has been the exploration of how we view the idea of heroism,” says Director Laura Covelli. “The archetype of a ‘hero’ throughout history has distinguishing qualities: they are noble, courageous, selfless and desire to help others. But this all depends on who is telling the story. Beowulf is described with these characteristics, but if we reimagine the story, as the playwright asks of us, through the lens of imperialism and the destruction of life and natural resources in the name of acquisition, the heroes and villains in this epic story shift. While Grendel, as illuminated by his mom, is shown to be both a diplomat and a defender of nature, Beowulf and his band of merry soldiers suddenly become the true monsters we’ve inaccurately lauded throughout time. History is set forth by the winners, and this concept is what excited me about FEAST.,” explains Covelli. “The play shows us why the voices of the voiceless MUST be heard; and the epic poem Beowulf, when held up as an example of every incident of imperialism throughout time, suggests there is always a side we have not been allowed to know.”