Bear Baiting is a ten-minute play about two childhood friends, Steve and Dylan, who are now in their mid-30s. Dylan semi-recently came out as gay to Steve and started subsequently not wanting to do most of the things they’d done together since they were teenagers, like going hunting. The play begins when Steve arrives on Dylan’s doorstep, ostensibly to say good-bye to Dylan before Dylan moves across the country with his boyfriend.
Production and Development History
“This is an intriguing story about the complexities of friendship, letting go and acceptance. The use of bear and outdoors imagery is put to brilliant use by Anna Tatelman. The relationship here is relatable for most of us who have been in a friendship that may or may not have the strength to evolve. It's funny and heartbreaking at various turns. Definitely recommend, after seeing this play read at the 2024 Mid-America Theater Conference. ”
“An emotionally powerful play... Complex characters.”