Women take command in 2 Asolo Conservatory plays in Sarasota

Abusive husbands face consequences in contrasting productions by FSU/Asolo Conservatory students

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Second-year students in the FSU/Asolo Conservatory are performing two plays with animalistic qualities and themes of abusive husbands facing consequences. The plays, "Exit, Pursued by a Bear" by Lauren Gunderson and another unnamed play, are being presented on a rotating repertory schedule in Sarasota.

Why it matters

The productions highlight the work of acclaimed playwright Lauren Gunderson, one of the most produced playwrights in the nation, and showcase the talents of the next generation of theater artists at the renowned FSU/Asolo Conservatory program.

The details

The two plays, one a humorous take on abusive relationships and the other a more serious exploration of the same theme, feature female protagonists taking control of their situations and exacting justice on their abusive husbands. The productions are part of the second-year students' repertory schedule at the FSU/Asolo Conservatory in Sarasota.

  • The plays are being performed on a rotating repertory schedule in Sarasota.

The players

Lauren Gunderson

One of the nation's most produced playwrights, whose work is featured in one of the productions.

FSU/Asolo Conservatory

A renowned theater training program where the second-year students are performing the plays.

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The takeaway

The Asolo Conservatory productions showcase the talents of up-and-coming theater artists tackling timely themes of abusive relationships and female empowerment through the lens of acclaimed playwrights like Lauren Gunderson.