Notrevo hits again with Beowulf and the Bard

By NICK YAMASHITA

The Progress

A theatre production of Beowulf and the Bard entertained enthusiastic local audiences last week each evening from Thursday, Jan. 25 through Saturday, Jan. 26 in the Ron Dalley Theatre at MVHS.

The final performance was both an emotional relief and also a sobering sadness for the cast of local actors, directors and stage tech team of the Notrevo Production company.

The production was applauded with shouts of acclamation and a standing ovation from the audience as the show ended on Saturday night after the three night of run.
“It got better every night,” said William Ragland, who played Beowulf. “The atmosphere of the people is what makes it good and we had amazing audiences all three nights.”

The play written by Vidas Barzdukas and Christopher R. Bartlett is not a faithful retelling of the heroic Beowulf of common Nordic lore and Hollywood movies. Rather, this humorous variation is about a cowardly Beowulf and his travelling companion, The Bard.

This ill-matched duo were kicked out of the kingdom by Beowulf’s father. Beowulf is told he must become a hero before he can return.

The two travel into a comedic situation as Beowulf must help save a kingdom from a hideous ogre and the ogre’s mother.

The play had outstanding acting with Kim Roden-Riisnaes as the Bard. She won over the audience with her humor laced with quick puns.

Ragland portrayed Beowulf less as a mighty warrior and more an introverted peacemaker averse to any danger or violence.

What Beowulf lacked in fearlessness, Sierra Staley made up for as the strong-headed “WARRIOR” Princess Gunborg who was intent on proving her valor, despite the traditional princess stereotype.

The Bard had been sent along with Beowulf to document his heroic deeds into an epic poem. But she quickly developed a nasty writer’s block which was strangely linked to, and amplified by, her companion’s cowardice.

Aaron Kohntopp was terrifying yet lovable as the ogre Grendel. A frightful encounter offered Beowulf an opportunity to show bravery. But instead an unexpected allergic reaction dispatched the ogre leaving Beowulf still standing.

But there was still Grendel’s mama to deal with. Jennifer Richins created a fearsome foe as Grendel’s angry mother seeking revenge.

A series of climactic combat scenes, acted in slow-motion, pitted Grendel’s mother against both Beowulf and Gunborg. These brought laughter from the audience as the three fought desperately. The ogre mother eventually fell by the sword, leaving the two unlikely survivors as heroes of the hour.

The production was the directing debut of Kim Hardy who, after Saturday night’s performance, was recognized by the complete cast and staff of the show.

In an interview after the play Ragland admitted that his character was oddly similar to his own personality. “Absolutely, if you came running at me with a sword, I would 100% cower on the ground,” Ragland laughed.

Staley gave special recognition to some of the unsung heroes of the play. “We had an amazing tech crew this year,” she said. “It is great to work with them and always great to work with our amazing cast.”

Ragland agreed. “It’s all about the people we have,” he said. “We’re not just a cast anymore. It’s a whole family of people who all come together and put on a show. We are all here for each other.”

There was also a fundraiser for the group as the art of the local village artist Mattias (Clint Brill) was on display in the theater lobby and silently auctioned.

For more information about Notrevo Productions and The Moapa Valley Community Theatre, visit www.notrevo.org.