Inspired by the viral question that captured global attention, Man or Bear arrives at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe as a fast-moving, darkly comic exploration of fear, friendship and survival. Co-created by Funny Women Award finalist Katie Hurley and award-winning playwright Sarah Hehir, this bold new work confronts the realities of modern misogyny through a gripping theatrical lens.
Blending kitchen sink realism with music and striking physical sequences, Man or Bear follows three generations of women navigating the shadow of male violence. At the centre of the story is a mother and teenage daughter who seek refuge with a stranger, with the looming presence of a mysterious bear adding an unsettling edge to the narrative.
As the story unfolds towards a devastating climax, audiences are drawn into the sharp wit, resilience and solidarity of its characters. The piece balances humour and darkness, offering a poetic yet unflinching reflection on the dangers women face and the strength they find in one another.
Featuring Amaia Naima Aguinaga alongside Katie Hurley, the production gives voice to perspectives too often overlooked in discussions of violence against women. It draws on extensive first-hand research, developed in collaboration with charities including SafeLives, and informed by workshops with female-identifying participants, ensuring authenticity and emotional depth.
Sarah Hehir comments, “We see the way the world is for women sliding quickly back towards brutality and inequality and we’re all too often being told it isn’t. Or that it’s our fault. And even when the subject of violence against women and girls is addressed in drama, the female voice is too often marginalised. So we wrote this play. It’s pacy, funny and beautiful. And it’s also a howl of rage in a forest where meeting a bear could be safer than running into a man.”
With its fearless storytelling and contemporary relevance, Man or Bear promises to be a powerful and provocative addition to this year’s Fringe, challenging audiences while celebrating the enduring strength of women’s voices.
Man or Bear runs at Summerhall (Red Lecture Theatre) from 6 – 30 August (not 17, 24 August) at 13:45. Tickets are on sale here
