The Bear

Marionettes in an attic come to life and morph into their characters to perform 'The Bear' by Anton Chekhov

Ōtepoti | Dunedin

Sahara BreeZe (SBZ) Productions in conjunction with Experimental Theatre Collective (ETC) bring to you their version of this classic vaudeville farce The Bear by Anton Chekhov, translated by Stuart Young. This version mixes traditional farce with clowning and aerial circus work.   

The play they perform takes place in Popova’s drawing room seven months after her husband’s death. Her footwoman, Luka, begs Popova to stop mourning and to live her life again, but Popova confirms that she will stay faithful to her dead husband Nikolai.

They are interrupted by a retired soldier and landowner who arrives to recoup a large debt he is owed. It turns into a debate about true love according to the different genders. Chekhovian pistols are drawn. We all know what that means and a duel ensues. 

The play asks questions concerning traditional gender stereotypes.  

Starring: Victor Victorious, Becky Hodson, Zac Henry & Brent Caldwell. Aerial Silk training by Rochelle Brophy.  

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