EXIT, PURSUED BY A BEAR is a contemporary Southern “revenge comedy” that disarms stereotypes of abuse with wild humor. BEAR is part “I Love Lucy,” part Jacobean revenge tragedy, and part feminist power ballad. Set in the North Georgia mountains, the ever-sweet Nan finally flips the story on her abusive husband, Kyle, taking back her life. With the help of her colorful friends, her idolization of Jimmy Carter, and one violent Shakespearean stage direction, this play ain’t over till the bears are in pursuit. Nan has decided to teach her abusive husband Kyle a lesson. With the help of her friend Simon (acting as her emotional — and actual — cheerleader) and a stripper named Sweetheart, she tapes Kyle to a chair and forces him to watch as they reenacts scenes from their painful past. In the piece de resistance, they plan to cover the room in meat and honey so Kyle will be mauled by a bear. Through this night of emotional trials and ridiculous theatrics, Nan and Kyle are both freed from their past in this smart, dark revenge comedy.
