Last show of Auburn’s theatre season uses satire to confront serious issues

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"Exit, Pursued by a Bear," is the final production of the 2016-17 season for the Auburn University Department of Theatre in the College of Liberal Arts.

The show opened on Thursday, April 13, and runs through April 23. Written by playwright Lauren Gunderson and directed by Tessa Carr, "Exit, Pursued by a Bear," is a comedic take on the serious issues surrounding domestic violence and is not suitable for children.

In the show, main character Nan has had enough of her abusive husband, Kyle, and plots a special revenge. Working with her cheerleader friend Simon, and aspiring actress and stripper, Sweetheart, Nan holds Kyle hostage and forces him to watch her perform scenes from their disastrous marriage. A dark satire on a very serious subject, "Exit, Pursued by a Bear," offers a humorous glimpse into a dystopic relationship.

Director Tessa Carr, who is originally from LaGrange, Georgia, and received her doctorate from the University of Texas at Austin, said that this play appeals to her because of the characters.

"One of my favorite aspects of Southern culture has always been the embrace of real life characters and outrageous stories – the larger than life people that inhabit small towns throughout the South, the family member that we all love to tell stories about, the time when friends did some kind of stunt that no one would believe, and so on," Carr said.

The artistic team for "Exit, Pursued by a Bear," includes costume designer Tracy Oleinick, lighting, scenic, and projection design by Fereshteh Rostampour, and sound design by theatre major Carl Wampler. The student cast includes Taylor Newton, Michael Sanders, Scott Tye, and Lauren Vedder.

This performance runs approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes and includes mature language.

Purchase tickets online.

Box Office Hours

The box office is open from 2-5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; from 2-8 p.m. during weekday performances; from 6-8 p.m. for Saturday evening performances; and from 1-3 p.m. for Sunday matinees. For more information, call the box office at 334-844-4154.

Schedule of Performances

  • Thursday 4/13 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Friday 4/14 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday 4/15 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday 4/18 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday 4/19 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Thursday 4/20 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Friday 4/21 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Sunday 4/23 at 2:30 p.m.

Ticket Prices

  • General: $16
  • Senior Citizen: $12
  • Faculty and Staff: $12
  • AU student with ID: Free
  • Non-AU Student: $12

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