Senior Emma Watts staged “Exit, Pursued by a Bear,’” a play by Lauren Gunderson, in the Brunner Theatre Blackbox from April 10 to April 13. This four-person cast balanced humor and drama as they told the story of an abusive marriage through a revenge comedy. 

“I wanted to work with a small cast because it’s easier to direct and, second, because it’s my first time directing,” Watts said.

“Exit, Pursued by a Bear” was selected through a process in which student directors pitch three plays to the theatre department faculty members. The faculty then decides which script best suits the student. For Watts, the faculty chose the boldest of her three options, agreeing it was the one she was most capable of handling.

Emma cast the play with care, basing her decisions on energy and unexpected interpretations during auditions. 

“I had each actor read the script individually, then with others, and I immediately knew who I wanted to cast,” Watts said. 

Watt’s casting priority was finding performers who could handle the play’s tonal complexity, switching between moments of dark humor and intense emotion, especially considering the sensitive nature of the themes.

The story centers on the character of Nan Carter, who breaks free from an abusive relationship, with humor serving as relief and a way to drive the emotional message home. It’s a play that reminds audiences that there is always a way out, often with the help of others.

Senior Lucas Osborn, majoring in theatre performance, played abusive husband Kyle, a complicated character who is responsible for much of the play’s emotional conflict. 

“It was a real blast to be able to do this as my final show here at Augie,” Osborn said. 

Osborn spoke about stepping into Kyle’s mindset—how he sees the world and how he should see it. 

“I think we have a tendency to write off people who do bad things, like abuse, as inherently evil, and that’s reductive,” Osborn said. 

Osborn explained that the show doesn’t excuse the pain Kyle causes but instead explores how people can confront and understand their harmful actions through the power of theater.

Junior Gianna Zampogna, majoring in environmental studies and geography, played Nan Carter, a victim of abuse. Zampogna emphasized how important it is to reclaim one’s power and seek help, even if the performance’s narrative might feel heightened or exaggerated. Zampogna praised the production’s tight-knit cast and encouraged anyone who identified with her character to take advantage of support resources. 

“These stories matter, and they can be the first step toward healing,” Zampogna said.

Junior Alice Sylvie, majoring in public health and biology, played Sweetheart, a fundamental character that portrayed the past between Nan and Kyle and what brought the woman to kill her husband. While audiences only see the end product, Sylvie explained how much work goes into a play before it opens.

“To prepare for a role, I might create a backstory,” Sylvie said. “But, I think the best way is just spending time in character on stage, getting comfortable with how they move and think.” 

With the audience so close to the action, staying in character at all times became essential.

“Exit, Pursued by a Bear” was a performance that entertained its audience with intelligence, blending humor with the gravity of a topic as important as it is delicate. Watts and her cast delivered a performance worthy of being remembered, hoping it might leave a mark and teach something to those who saw it.