BLACK BEAR ISLAND

by Karissa Murrell Myers

Winner - Maxim Mazumdar New Play Award (2023)
Finalist - O'Neill National Playwrights Conference (2024)
Semi-Finalist - Blue Ink Awards (2024)

When her estranged childhood sweetheart mysteriously dies, Amitra returns home after a sixteen year absence to Black Bear Island, which legend says is haunted by a monstrous man-killing bear. As she searches for the truth, the forest begins to engulf the house and her...

Winner - Maxim Mazumdar New Play Award (2023)
Finalist - O'Neill National Playwrights Conference (2024)
Semi-Finalist - Blue Ink Awards (2024)

When her estranged childhood sweetheart mysteriously dies, Amitra returns home after a sixteen year absence to Black Bear Island, which legend says is haunted by a monstrous man-killing bear. As she searches for the truth, the forest begins to engulf the house and her past begins to collide with the present as her memory starts to unfog. This gothic, magical realistic thriller explores regret, the unreliableness of our own memories, and the paths we choose to become who we are.

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BLACK BEAR ISLAND

Recommended by

  • Karen Saari: BLACK BEAR ISLAND by Karissa Murrell Myers
    “

    This play is a riveting mystery with plenty of twists and turns and a beautifully theatrical setting. The story looks at the power of memory and the tricks it can play on us. With richly drawn characters and vivid world-building, this play deserves every accolade. Gorgeous piece of work!

    This play is a riveting mystery with plenty of twists and turns and a beautifully theatrical setting. The story looks at the power of memory and the tricks it can play on us. With richly drawn characters and vivid world-building, this play deserves every accolade. Gorgeous piece of work!

    ”
  • Anastasia Wild: BLACK BEAR ISLAND by Karissa Murrell Myers
    “

    Poetic and haunting, BLACK BEAR ISLAND is a dark thriller that plays with relationship, memory, and suspense. With excellent opportunities for creative staging, this rich story remains captivating through every scene.

    Poetic and haunting, BLACK BEAR ISLAND is a dark thriller that plays with relationship, memory, and suspense. With excellent opportunities for creative staging, this rich story remains captivating through every scene.

    ”
  • Deanna Strasse: BLACK BEAR ISLAND by Karissa Murrell Myers
    “

    An intriguing and suspenseful look at growing up and coming to terms with the monsters within us all.

    An intriguing and suspenseful look at growing up and coming to terms with the monsters within us all.

    ”
View all 7 recommendations

Character Information

The roles of DENNIS THE UPS GUY and THE MAN should be played by the same actor. The roles of RUBY and GIRL can be doubled as well, but this is not necessary.
  • AMITRA
    Wildlife photographer. Always on the run. Has a deep scar from temple to jaw.
    20's-30's
    any ethnicity
    She/Her/Hers
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary
  • WARREN
    Bearded, Charming, and Dead™
    20's-30's
    any ethnicity
    He/Him/His
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male,
      Non-binary
  • BOY
    Anxious, logical, very “in love” and not sure what the fuck to do about it.
    14-16
    any ethnicity
    He/Him/His
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male,
      Non-binary
  • GIRL
    Free-spirited, sharp, reckless, and deeply angry.
    14-16
    any ethnicity
    She/Her/Hers
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary
  • MARJORIE
    The Friendliest Neighbor You Never Wanted. Texan accent. Talks fast, listen less.
    40's
    Any (but probably white)
    She/Her/Hers
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary
  • RUBY
    Woods-wise, operates on animal instinct. Deadpan. Mistrusts adults. Hates you.
    Preteen
    any ethnicity
    She/Her/Hers
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary
  • FINN
    Warren's little cousin.
    12-13
    Any
    he/him
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male,
      Non-binary
  • DENNIS THE UPS GUY
    Not paid enough for the amount of shit he deals with.
    20's-30's
    any ethnicity
    He/Him/His
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • THE MAN
    Clever, ruthless, desperate.
    20's-30's
    any ethnicity
    He/Him/His
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male

Development History

Production History

Awards