Polar Bear in a Fish Tank in a Mall in China

On the set of a reality TV show deep in the snowy mountains, seven gays compete for the love of one bachelor. But when one of them vanishes, they discover that game isn't what it seems, and that the house is full of secrets: a curse, a conspiracy, a monster. Stalked by an implacable terror, each must decide for himself: did he come here to make friends? Or to win?

On the set of a reality TV show deep in the snowy mountains, seven gays compete for the love of one bachelor. But when one of them vanishes, they discover that game isn't what it seems, and that the house is full of secrets: a curse, a conspiracy, a monster. Stalked by an implacable terror, each must decide for himself: did he come here to make friends? Or to win?

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Polar Bear in a Fish Tank in a Mall in China

Recommended by

  • Adam Szymkowicz: Polar Bear in a Fish Tank in a Mall in China

    This play is a wild ride in all the best ways.

    This play is a wild ride in all the best ways.

  • Cheryl Bear: Polar Bear in a Fish Tank in a Mall in China

    A hilarious and suspenseful mystery into the missing men on the competition for love and the frightful experience of it all. Well done.

    A hilarious and suspenseful mystery into the missing men on the competition for love and the frightful experience of it all. Well done.

  • Nick Malakhow: Polar Bear in a Fish Tank in a Mall in China

    Equal parts hilarious and horrifying, Giles has created a theatrical world that cleverly critiques social truths and reality tv culture. It also proves itself to be a compelling horror story! Giles explores the internalized shame, misogyny, and homophobia of gay men; the ways they mistreat one another; mental health issues; and intersectional identity within the queer community using a cleverly selected group of characters and some off the charts satire-meets-gross out horror movie moments. Titillation and terror comingle in complex ways that make me consider what we sacrifice at times to...

    Equal parts hilarious and horrifying, Giles has created a theatrical world that cleverly critiques social truths and reality tv culture. It also proves itself to be a compelling horror story! Giles explores the internalized shame, misogyny, and homophobia of gay men; the ways they mistreat one another; mental health issues; and intersectional identity within the queer community using a cleverly selected group of characters and some off the charts satire-meets-gross out horror movie moments. Titillation and terror comingle in complex ways that make me consider what we sacrifice at times to belong and feel loved and attractive.

JON - he, him, his
PATRICK - he, him, his
AKEEM - he, him, his
NICK - he, him, his
DAVE - he, him, his
LOUIS - he, him, his
TAYLOR - they, them, theirs
& WILLIAM - he, him, his

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization Youngblood / Ensemble Studio Theatre, Year 2018

Awards

  • Playspace
    Pipleline Theatre Company
    Finalist
    2020
  • Working Farm
    SPACE on Ryder Farm
    Finalist
    2019
  • National Playwrights' Conference
    O'Neill Theatre Center
    Semi-Finalist
    2019