Berserkers: Who We Are

The word “berserker” comes from the Old Norse tradition of fierce warriors. These warriors are often associated with the bear, gaining power and strength from their patron animal. Berserkers were said to enter a trance-like state on the battlefield where they would become unstoppable fighting machines by “changing form.” 

While not inflictors or supporters of physical violence, the resident company members of Berserker Theatre Company relate to our namesakes in that we strive for fierceness, power, strength, and transformation in our work. We are a collaborative, ensemble-driven group of artists from the farthest reaches of the Northeast including Hartford, Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh who come together to produce imaginative, accessible theatre. 

The adoption of the name “Berserker” comes from our wonderful co-director Elise D’Avella. She is known to declare that we would be going “berserk,” meaning that we would all dedicate ourselves to working boldly. As task after task is completed, led by Elise we all celebrate with an exclamation of “Berserker!” Fair enough to say, the name and the energy it represents stuck.