Chris Vinsonhaler “Beowulf”

Chris Vinsonhaler brings an excerpt from her new translation of Beowulf to 1762 Hennepin Stage. Her richly resonate text is illustrated by supporting actors and the evening performance is a benefit for the Friends of the Mississippi River.

For more information, visit the project’s website at beowulf.live and check out the trailer for the performance “Monsters and Men”.

Teller Bio: Chris Vinsonhaler is a retired Professor of English at Borough of Manhattan Community College. She has toured nationally and internationally, bringing her performance of Beowulf to a wide range of audiences–from scholarly venues to schools to community events.

Critical acclaim for Chris Vinsonhaler “Beowulf”:

“Chris Vinsonhaler’s new translation of Beowulf is a bold and risky venture. She has thrown down a challenge to those who (think they) know this complex and mysterious poem with a reading that goes completely against the grain: it confirms our suspicions that heroes and monsters are disturbingly similar, and more controversially, depicts the Scandinavian characters—including Beowulf himself—as deceitful and rapacious murderers, making traditional understandings of the poem look naive. . . . This is essential—and bracing—reading.” — Heather O’Donoghue, Professor Emeritus, Norse-Icelandic Literature, University of Oxford

NOTE: Starting on March 31, 2025 Hennepin Ave 26th St to Douglas Ave will be under construction. Check our ‘Getting Here’ page for parking options.