Written and performed by Melanie Teichroeb

Directed by Nicolle Nattrass

Stage/Road Manager – Sandy Cumberland

“More than a millennium ago in what’s now southeastern Sweden, a wealthy Viking warrior was laid to rest, in a resplendent grave filled with swords, arrowheads, and two sacrificed horses. The site reflected the ideal of Viking male warrior life, or so many archaeologists had thought. New DNA analyses of the bones, however, confirm a revelatory find: the grave belonged to a woman.”

Funny. Sexy. Fierce. Unapologetic! Travel back to tenth century Sweden for a Norse RED Talk. Think TED Talks with a Viking twist. Viking warrior, Ingrid, worked hard to get where she is, but it’s lonely at the top. She’s looking for the courageous and honourable to join her. You know, folks who know how to have fun and don’t mind the notion of a little death. This warrior is battle hardened but cracks in her emotional armour reveal a struggle with forces beyond her control. Rage, sexuality, equality, grief and trauma are addressed with humour, irreverence and compassion. SHIELD MAIDEN represents the archetypal version of female strength modern women are looking for in themselves. It also invites men to be allies in the battle for equality.

“Ingrid the Warrior arrived at our festival fully-formed and ready to kick ass. Shield Maiden sparks conversations about gender equality, feminine empowerment, and the #metoo movement – with a flamethrower. I’ve never seen a theatre crowd leave a show so charged up.
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– Mitch Miyagawa, Producer, Cultivate Festival

“Shield Maiden by Melanie Teichroeb is a fierce and funny mashup of vikings and a Tony Robbins workshop, and was truly one of the highlights this year of our 26th annual fringe festival, Fronterafest. Not only is it a great script, but Melanie’s performance was just incredible.”

– Ken Webster, Artistic Director, Hyde Park Theatre