Benji Boyd, Sophomore
There are few stories that stand the test of time. Despite ever shifting language and culture, a few timeless masterpieces of the Western world survive in renown, including the works of Shakespeare, Chaucer, and whoever wrote Dante’s Inferno. However, one of the greatest stories of the past belongs to no known author.
Written over a thousand years ago, the epic Anglo-Saxon poem Beowulf tells the story of warriors, monsters, and a lot of other cool stuff that modern times just can’t hold a candle to. It’s a story so majestic, even teenagers find it kind of interesting. In fact, this age-old story is being brought to the stage of Marblehead Veterans Middle School this very March by a handful of high school students who have decided that even if we’re not still fighting vicious demons in hand-to-hand combat like in the good old days, we can at least act like it.
Toby’s Hulse’s Beowulf is an ancient tale with a modern spin. The play tells the story of a young girl named Sophie living in modern times, as well as that of her Anglo-Saxon counterpart, the mighty warrior Beowulf. The play is just as exciting as the poem (and more time-efficient as well: about forty minutes as opposed to roughly 3,182 lines). Eight-foot puppet monsters, severed limbs scattered across the stage, and Brady Weed are just some of the exciting sights you may encounter should you dare brave the show.
Marblehead High School has undertaken the challenge of bringing this story to the stage under the direction of Thomas Rash, assisted by Finn Bennett. The cast and crew have been working hard since October, and are very excited to share our production with the community. To learn more about the students involved, please visit our Instagram page “mhsbeowulf”, run by Anya Kane. Should you choose to embark on this journey with us, head to the MVMS PAC on Thursday, March 2, at 7:00 PM, for one night only. Tickets are $10 for adults, and $5 for students and seniors.