This past weekend the Georgia College & State University’s theater department held its rendition of “Exit, Pursued By A Bear.” The show was directed by GCSU student Chloe Butts as a part one theater department’s senior capstone.
The cast of the play included four GCSU students, Ruth Rodriguez, Kyle Krugg, Caleb Rogers, and Olivia Langston. The performance was held at Black Box Theater located on the GCSU campus at 137 W. Hancock St.
The entire play takes place in one location inside of the protagonis’ts living room as Nan contemplates feeding her abusive husband to a bear. Kyle is duct-taped and tied to a chair from the very start of the play as Nan calls up her two friends, Sweetheart and Simon, trying to decide what to do with her husband.
The play contained a few consistent overarching themes, including a deeper understanding of how abusive relationships affect one’s life. The play also serves as a window into the stereotypes of the deep south.
Jonathan Caulley, a senior at Georgia College who attended the Sunday, show spoke on his experience attending the show. He was impressed by the performances the actors were able to convey on such a small cast that was full of emotion and depth.
“It was a very tender yet humorous exploration of abusive relationship that even showed the impact of outsource perspectives like friends instead of only focusing on the couple alone,” Caulley said.
This performance was made possible with the help of many other students. Tatom Curtis, Lauren-Avery Jones, Kelsey Hall, Gabriel Purdum, Jace Barlow, and Bentley Savelle helped create an amazing experience for all viewers.
The GCSU theater department has a few more shows this year, including Luminous: Spring Dance Concert May 2-3. Next is Neverland Ballet May 17. Both these performances will be held at the Russell Auditorium and will be directed by Natalie King, GCSU interim director of dance.