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THE ODYSSEY
written by Charlie Bethel
performed by John Heimbuch
directed by Amy Rummenie
Shipwrecks, sirens, and mythical goddesses meet magic, death, and revenge. Voyage across land and sea, through the underworld, and to the top of Mt. Olympus as Odysseus seeks his homeland and the arms of his loving wife in this epic one-person storytelling adventure.
Acclaimed solo artist John Heimbuch returns to the Philly Fringe with another epic tale adapted by Charlie Bethel (Beowulf, Gilgamesh), re-imagining Homer’s famous tale in a faithful yet accessible performance suitable for most audiences.
O, daughter of Zeus, wise Calliope,
You, whose very name means beautiful voiced,
Give strength to me to tell the tale again;
Lend breath for me to speak your words once more,
Of how that man of many twists and turns,
Odysseus the crafty, made it home...
Warning: The Odyssey contains descriptions of sexuality and fantasy violence, and is recommended for audiences age 12+.
More information at: https://www.johnheimbuch.com/solo-epics
1714 Delancey Street
PWYC Options
1714 Delancey Street
PWYC Options
1714 Delancey Street
PWYC Options
1714 Delancey Street
PWYC Options
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.
Contact the Fringe Festival Box Office for up to date accessibility information.
Adult Language
The Odyssey contains descriptions of sexuality and fantasy violence, and is recommended for audiences age 13+.
This event does not require masks to be worn