Beowulf: Her Story

by James Kenna

Beowulf sets out to save the Danes, redefine heroism and crack some legendary jokes along the way. A hilarious and contemporary spoof of the classic epic which inspired fantasy authors like Tolkien and third-period English naps worldwide. However, reluctant students all over Middle Earth will rejoice for this witty, theatrical misadventure! An ensemble of post-pubescent monsters and quippy warriors weave...

Beowulf sets out to save the Danes, redefine heroism and crack some legendary jokes along the way. A hilarious and contemporary spoof of the classic epic which inspired fantasy authors like Tolkien and third-period English naps worldwide. However, reluctant students all over Middle Earth will rejoice for this witty, theatrical misadventure! An ensemble of post-pubescent monsters and quippy warriors weave together a new journey as Beowulf and her friends (and a few post-pubescent monsters) reconstruct what heroes can and should be.

read more
  • Inquire About Rights
  • Recommend
  • Download
  • Save to Library

Beowulf: Her Story

Recommended by

  • Jakob Spruce: Beowulf: Her Story by James Kenna
    “

    A script that will have you belly-laughing one moment then bawling your eyes out the next! Kenna crafts an effective reimagining of the classic Beowulf story that asks questions every person struggles with-- How do we tell our own stories? Do we have control over our destiny? How can we live up to all of THESE expectations?

    If you're looking for a great one act play for teenage actors and audiences, this script is full of fights, quips, heartwarming relationships, and a killer dance battle!

    A script that will have you belly-laughing one moment then bawling your eyes out the next! Kenna crafts an effective reimagining of the classic Beowulf story that asks questions every person struggles with-- How do we tell our own stories? Do we have control over our destiny? How can we live up to all of THESE expectations?

    If you're looking for a great one act play for teenage actors and audiences, this script is full of fights, quips, heartwarming relationships, and a killer dance battle!

    ”

Character Information

  • Beowulf
    The Hero Confident and snarky. A bit lost, a bit romantic, and a bit resistant to being put in a box. Wants more than anything to be a hero.
    Cis female, genderqueer, non-binary, or trans
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • Wiglaf
    The Counsel. An earnest lad that wants things to go the right way. Brave in protecting friends. Dry sense of humor. Endlessly looks up to Beowulf.
    Male presenting
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man,
      Non-binary
  • Yarwick
    The Minstrel. Jubilantly pure and spontaneous — often leading to inappropriate outbursts. Loveable, and far more intelligent than anyone gives them credit for.
    Any
  • Messenger
    Has important business. Really shouldn’t be caught up in this whole heroic nonsense. Just would like to get back to their life.
  • Hrothgar
    The aged king who won a bunch of wars. Since the glory days, Hrothgar built the hall of Hereot to party it up. Chasing the sunset.
  • Wulfgar
    Hrothgar’s counsel and messenger. Speaks with a Shakespearean Flair. Very earnest.
  • Unferth
    Head know it all of Hereot. They just want to be heroic.
  • Grendel
    Young, hot-headed, but deeply philosophical. A misunderstood teenager. Will drag you, especially if your music is too loud.
  • Grendel's Mother
    Cunning, polite, and a would-be power soccer mom if she wasn’t such a successful monster.
    Cis female, genderqueer, non-binary, or trans
  • Dragon
    Your worst nightmare. Fear incarnate. Would eat Smaug for breakfast. Composed by the entire ensemble.
  • Chorus
    Composed of individuals to make a collective. They create the people and structures of Middle-Earth often forgotten in the epic.

Development History

  • Reading, The Subtext Podcast, 2020
  • Reading, Self-Produced Workshop Reading, 2019

Production History

  • High School, Capitol High School, 2023
  • Fringe, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, 2020