“Entertaining and utterly terrifying in equal measures”
Three microphones stand on stage, in front of several boxes. The performers enter, and begin to tell their story. It is a heartbreaking story of women from several different generations all receiving abuse from men in different ways. The title, playing on the internet trend of Man or Bear, amplifies this heartbreak. We are constantly reminded of the bear, a joyful, clownish entity in the play, that counters impeccably with the men we hear about. The final image is frightening, horrendous and sticks with the audience, as we leave contemplating the world we live in.
The three performers are excellent, and all bring a different energy to the stage. Amaia Naima Aguinaga plays the young and angry Angel; Katie Hurley plays a struggling mother trying to reclaim her independence, Paige; and Lesley Ewan plays the kind, caring and fierce Connie. Each of these women has the man they are facing, and each is forced to deal with difficult circumstances throughout. The acting is excellent from all three, and we care deeply for each of them. The interpersonal relationships are built well and develop nicely to the conclusion, which is shocking and utterly terrifying.
The script was penned by Sarah Hehir, along with Hurley, and is wonderfully written. It is sharp, clever and manages to cover a huge array of abuse that women face in a short time. Highlighting how each of these people are being treated by the men in their lives, the audience are really forced to look inward, and outward to our society, one that seems to only be getting worse. This is a script written with care, and passion that comes through in volumes.
Director, Ursula Martinez, also does an incredible job to compliment the script. They capably build a very real world, and then intersperse that with absurdist, almost clown-like moments, and very personal monologues. It is presented in an experimental way, and that has been used perfectly. The inclusion of the bear is a further brilliant addition, and breaks the tension with quite creepy circus-like interactions.
This is a unique piece of theatre that explores a message that I have been seeing at the Fringe for a long time. As the play ended, I was struck by a sadness that we still need to shout this message, and that we live in a society that necessitates this kind of play. We should all go to Man or Bear, to take stock and arrest the backwards nature of our new society.
Show Listing: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/man-or-bear
LISTINGS INFORMATION:
Venue: Red Lecture Theatre at Summerhall
Dates: 6th – 30th August (Not 17th, 24th)
Time: 13.45
Ticket prices: £17.00/ concessions £14.50
Fringe box office: 0131 226 0000 / www.edfringe.com
Suitable for 16+ (Restriction)