The Arkansaw Bear

The Arkansaw Bear is a production seminar in the Theater, Dance, and Performance Studies Department. The production is touring to schools in New Haven and having two on-campus performances on December 7 (1pm and 4pm) in the 220 York st Ballroom. 

The play follows Tish, a young girl confronted with the death of her grandfather. She wishes on a star, Star Bright, to ask why it is that her grandfather must die. Star Bright answers her wish with The World’s Greatest Dancing Bear, who is nearing the end of his career as a performer. The Bear is being chased by the Great Ringmaster, who is going to take him away to the “Great Center Ring.” With the help of his close friend the Mime, the Dancing Bear fights for more time. He wishes to plant a legacy and pass down valuable lessons. This is when we meet Little Bear! Little Bear takes dance lessons from the Dancing Bear, honoring the living by keeping the dance tradition alive. With his legacy and dances instilled in Little Bear, the dancing bear accepts the Ringmaster’s hand and enters the Great Center Ring. Tish seems to understand now—the impermanence of life but the longevity of admiration and legacy. She carries with her a new acceptance of death, recognizing the parts of her grandfather that will always remain with her.