Art Hounds: 'Beowulf' finds new meaning with coronavirus

Plus, Art Hounds recommend story time with a letter-press printer and thousands flock to 'Livestream Cover Challenge'

man stares into camera with Beowulf poster behind him
Walking Shadow Theatre Company's John Heimbuch performs the one-man show "Beowulf" in his South Minneapolis living room. Art Hound Stephanie Richards says the ancient tale of a monster that silently attacks people in groups feels timely amidst coronavirus contamination fears.
Courtesy of John Heimbuch

Guthrie lighting designer Stephanie Richards recommends you catch the final weekend of “Beowulf.” Walking Shadow Theatre Company’s John Heimbuch gives a one-man retelling of the Old English epic poem. Richards says the story, which features a monster that silently kills people in groups, feels eerily timely. You can watch Heimbuch’s performance livestreamed via Facebook as you cower behind your own door from a much smaller — but also deadly — monster.

Amateur musician Dana Farmer thinks you should check out the new Facebook group “Livestream Cover Challenge.” Local musician Joe Scarpellino started the group as a way to pass the time during the coronavirus pandemic. How it works: Musicians challenge each other to cover songs, and then the person who has been challenged has 24 hours to respond with a performance. In just a few weeks, the group has grown to more than 25,000 musicians, both professional and amateur, and Farmer says the vibe is wonderfully supportive and enthusiastic.

Artist Heidi Jeub is finding Mary Bruno’s “Quarantine Storytime” to be a much-needed sanity break. Bruno is a letter-press printer with her own company “Bruno Press.” At noon each day, Bruno takes a break to read her favorite children’s books. Jeub says Bruno’s enthusiasm is appealing to both kids and parents alike, but what makes her particularly charming is her ability as a letter-press printer to appreciate illustrations and design. You can find her on her Facebook page.

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This activity is made possible in part by the Minnesota Legacy Amendment’s Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.