Mister the Bear by Bridgette Dutta Portman

[10-minute] Brian is haunted by the spirit of his sister Cara, who died in childhood. What does she want from him, and what does an old teddy bear have to do with it? A short play about loss, guilt, and reconciliation.
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Mister the Bear

Recommended by

  • Lee R. Lawing:
    11 Mar. 2022
    “ This play pulls you by the heart and then sends a punch to your stomach, knocking out your breath. Gut-wrenching and so very hones. Sibling rivalry is just a natural part of sibling hood, but sometimes what we wish for as children are not even well thought out until later in life where the pain can still resonate so strongly like Brian's. ”
  • Cheryl Bear:
    26 Jul. 2020
    “ A powerful and beautiful story of the sister who comes back to help her brother work through his guilt and grief. Well done. ”
  • Steven G. Martin:
    7 Jul. 2020
    “ An intense ghost story/haunting fully developed in 10 minutes.

    The plot may last only 10 minutes, but I love that Bridgette Dutta Portman has created a detailed history between Cara and Brian, and refers to it throughout. This backstory helps the audience understand the transgressions between the characters as well as the symbolic conclusion. ”
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Character Information

  • Brian
    Late 50s/60s,
    Any
    ,
    Male
    A poet. Repressed and in denial.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      50s, 60s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male, Non-binary
  • Cara
    50s/60s,
    Any
    ,
    Female
    His deceased sister, two years younger. Appears the age she would have been if she'd survived, but there is a childishness in her speech and mannerisms.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      50s, 60s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary

Production History

  • Professional
    ,
    The Pear Theatre
    ,
    2018