Gilgamesh

adapted by Charlie Bethel
performed by John Heimbuch
directed by Amy Rummenie

Gilgamesh will discover the gods’ Big Secret,
And he will swim into the great abyss,
And he will know a horrifying truth.
I think you know it too.

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.

50 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... I can guarantee a funny, energetic, and thought-provoking interpretation of the two classic tales."
- Holly Peterson, Lavender Magazine, 2023

PERFORMANCE HISTORY

The Young Auditorium, University of Wisconsin, Whitewater (2025)
University of California, Santa Barbara (2025)
Philly Fringe / Quig’s Pub at Plays & Players, Philadelphia, PA (2025)
Brewery Nønic, Menomonie, WI (2025, 2024, 2023, 2022)
Smoke House Stage, St Paul, MN (2025) with Jake Endres on piano
The Pillars of Prospect Park, Minneapolis, MN (2025)
Chenango River Theatre, Greene, NY (2024)
Colby College, Waterville, ME (2024)
Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, PA (2025)
Firefly Regional Burn, VT (2024)
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (2023, 2022)
University of Wisconsin, River Falls (2023)
Providence College, RI (2023)
Nautilus Music Theatre, St Paul, MN (2023) with George Maurer on piano
The Rosette, Austin, TX (2023)
The Minnesota Fringe Festival (2023)
Providence Fringe Festival, Providence, RI (2023)
Rabbit Hole Artspace, Boston, MA (2022)
Walking Shadow Theatre Company, MN (2022, 2021)
CONvergence, Minneapolis, MN (2023, 2021)

Plus numerous school, bar, backyard, house, and park performances around the United States.

BOOK A SHOW

These shows have a flexible storytelling style that adapts to a wide variety of conditions, making them an ideal fit for backyard parties, fireside tellings, and intimate gatherings.

Rates vary depending on performance conditions and audience size.

For availability and booking information, fill out this form and I’ll get back to you soon!