In Feast, an immersive theater experience at The Count’s Den in downtown Los Angeles, Erin Schlabach puts on a master class in acting as she portrays Grendel’s mother, retelling the events of the Old English epic poem Beowulf from the perspective of the “sea hag.”
Megan Gogerty’s smart, clever script and Schlabach’s riveting performance come together for a show with lots of food for thought. (Sorry, I couldn’t resist.) Plus, you get a literal “feast” — an hors d’oeuvres tray with cheese, charcuterie, olives and more — and you can order the specialty cocktail of the night or a glass of wine while chilling in a cool Gothic Victorian dining room filled with glowing candles.
At the beginning of the hour-plus-long one-woman show, Schlabach awakes as the spirit of Grendel’s mother (Agathae) in a human body she has “made from clay” to make herself presentable to the dinner guests she has invited. She tells us how Beowulf and his men invaded their land and murdered her son — but are still viewed as heroes. She was also considered a monster who took revenge and was killed, though her spirit remains, seeking justice and resolution.
The story takes on contemporary relevance as Agathae questions everything from the motivations for violence and revenge to colonialism, patriarchy and authoritarianism. Why are women and mothers never heroes? Why do the 26 wealthiest billionaires own as much as 3.8 billion people who make up the poorest half of the world’s population (fact checked with The Guardian!) — and have all the power?
It’s heavy stuff. Any show that says “Suffering is the food of the world” is not mere popcorn fare. So, if you’re not angry about something in the current state of the world — like rampant inequity and injustice — you probably won’t appreciate the message of Feast. But maybe you also haven’t been paying attention.
Yes, it’s an indictment of humans (and the acts committed in the name of civilization), but it’s ultimately a celebration of the more sensitive qualities that make us human.
There is rage and rawness and biting satire in this show. There are plenty of things to make you laugh, but also tenderness that will draw tears. The ending has both — quite a feat that Schlabach pulls off beautifully.
You won’t want to miss this Feast for the soul. The West Coast premiere continues through April 6.
—Julie Riggott, Culture Spot LA
SHOW TIMES:
March 8 – April 6, 2025:
• Saturdays at 7 p.m.
• Sundays at 5 p.m.
LOCATION:
The Count’s Den
1039 S. Olive Street, LA 90015
Note: The venue does not advertise its name, and the door is not numbered. Look for the door to the right of the escape room.
PARKING:
• Street parking available
• Paid parking lots on Olive and 11th Street
TICKETS: Pick your price: $45, $55, or $65. Price includes a pre-performance “feast” of charcuterie/small bites and themed drinks (there will be options for dietary restrictions). The selected ticket price will not affect the experience. If you can afford to pay more for your ticket, please do as you will be supporting the artists and staff at Leonix Movement Theatre who make risky, relevant and unique productions possible.
FEAST contains overt references to sex and violence, and occasional profanity. The performance is intense, and the audience is physically close to the performer. Due to the above, FEAST is suggested for ages 16 and older. Advance reservations are requestedas tickets may not be available at the door.
MORE INFO:
● For more information, please visit https://www.leonixtheatre.org/
● https://www.instagram.com/leonixtheatre/
● https://www.facebook.com/leonixtheatre
● (818) 669-5767; info@thecountsden.com
Photo of Erin Schlabach in Feast / Photo by Ericka Kreutz