October 25 – November 10, 2024 @ Knoxville Children's Theatre
Knoxville Children’s Theatre, in partnership with the Clayton Foundation, presents "Beowulf: The First Avenger" — an original adaptation of one of the oldest and most important epic poems of Old English literature — and one frequently studied in high schools and middle schools in Knox County. The play will be performed Oct. 25- Nov.10, Thursdays and Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 1 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.
Conceived and written by Alex Drinnen and Dennis E. Perkins, this rendition tells the tale of the great warrior Beowulf who saves the Kingdom of the Danes from not only the greedy ravages of the monster Grendel but also his equally fierce and vengeful mother. After his victories, Beowulf returns to his homeland to become king of his people where he will face monsters of his very own.
Staged by KCT Artistic Director, Dennis E. Perkins, the epic scope of this tale about heroics, ethics, and the goodness of kings will come to life through a visually dramatic presentation in the tradition of Total Theatre.
The play is performed by 14 talented young actors ages 11 to 16. The cast includes KCT veterans Delaney Rickman as Beowulf, Lena Kennedy as Hrothgarand Xavier Truman as Unferth. Additional KCT veterans in the production are Rosalie Linnabary, Zaide Otis, Clara Stanley, Addison Stanley, Chloe Harrison and Maggie Howard.
Making their KCT debuts in this production are Kai Banda, Brighton Ellison, Sage Jamison, Leiland Potterand Taylor Tucker. The show is directed by KCT Artistic Director Dennis E. Perkins and designed by 14 student designers ages 11 to 16.
KCT veteran Patrick Harrison provides the scenic design with assistance from Kea Mitchell. Anthony Canales provides the lighting design with assistance from Tinsley Clinton. Thomas Ludwig provides the costume design with assistance from Weston Bucher, Zee Carnes, Izzy Owensand Isabella Summers. The propsmasters are led by Ben Ward with assistance from, Gabriel Herrera, Sophia Bishop, and Zeb Brockman. The stage manager for this production is Addy Kate Thomas.
Category: Theatre, Youth and Family