UFV Theatre kick offs its 2017-18 “In Transit” season on Nov. 22 in a newly renovated studio on the Abbotsford campus.

The season opens with a darkly hilarious production of Anton Chekhov’s The Bear. With only 30 seats available in the intimate performance space, audience members will experience The Bear up close and personal.

This half-hour performance, directed by upper-year student Noel Funk, takes the audience on a journey from grief and anger to unlikely love.

Young widow Popova, after seven months of mourning her late husband’s death, receives an unexpected visit from the arrogant Smirnov, who has come to collect an outstanding debt.

The encounter quickly devolves into heated arguments resulting in broken furniture and an all-out duel.

This fast-paced one-act play is a farcical comment on human nature, sudden change, and strong emotions.

The Bear runs Nov. 22, 24, 30 and Dec. 1 at 4:30 p.m. and Nov. 23, 24, 29 and Dec. 1 at 11:30 a.m.

More information can be found at ufv.ca/plays.

All performances of The Bear are “pay what you can” and cash only. Seats can be reserved by emailing theatre@ufv.ca or by calling 604-795-2814.

Performances will take place in D105.