John Heimbuch
Solo Show, Storytelling & Spoken Word, Theater
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GILGAMESH
adapted by Charlie Bethel
performed by John Heimbuch
directed by Amy Rummenie
When the tyrant-king Gilgamesh befriends the wild-man Enkidu, his heart softens. But the two are beset by gods and monsters on a journey of love to the ends of the earth.
From the city of Uruk through the Cedar Forest and into the Underworld, Charlie Bethel’s solo version of the Sumerian epic brings forth the friendship, adventure, and thoughtfulness of the world's oldest story.
“Gilgamesh will discover the gods’ Big Secret,
And he will swim into the deep abyss,
And he will know a horrifying truth.
I think you know it too.”
60 minutes, no intermission.
Warning: Gilgamesh contains descriptions of sacred sexuality and fantasy violence, and is recommended for audiences age 13+.
PRAISE FOR GILGAMESH:
"Gilgamesh is a fresh, vibrant retelling of the ancient Sumerian story, which wrestles with themes of sex, religion, friendship, honor, death, and immortality... a funny, energetic, and thought-provoking interpretation"
- Holly Peterson, Lavender Magazine, 2023
More information at: https://www.johnheimbuch.com/solo-epics
September 22, 2026 7.00pm
5001 Grant Ave
General Admission: $25
September 23, 2026 7.00pm
5001 Grant Ave
General Admission: $25
About the Artist
John Heimbuch is a Minneapolis-based theatre artist. He began performing Charlie Bethel’s Beowulf in 2019, Gilgamesh in 2021, and The Odyssey in 2025, and has brought these works to schools, bars, theatres, festival, parks, and firesides around the United States.
John is the Artistic Director of Walking Shadow Theatre Company in Minneapolis, where he has written and directed numerous productions since 2004. His plays William Shakespeare’s Land of the Dead, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, and S. Gunter Klaus & the Story Before have been published by Concord Theatricals, and produced around the world.
When not making live theatre, he can be found playing with the steampunk rock band Bad September.
- John HeimbuchPerformerjohn.heimbuch@gmail.com
- Amy RummenieDirectoramy.rummenie@gmail.com
Accessibility & Content Considerations
Contact the Fringe Festival Box Office for up to date accessibility information.
This event is appropriate for ages 13+
Violent ContentGilgamesh contains descriptions of sacred sexuality and fantasy violence, and is recommended for audiences age 13+.
Covid-19 Safety policy
This event does not require masks to be worn
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