The Bear: A Joke in One Act.First performed in Moscow at the Korsh Theater in October, 1888.Translated, with an Introduction, by Julius WestPERSONS IN THE PLAYHelena Ivanovna Popov, a young widow, mistress of a country estateGrigori Stepanovitch Smirnov, proprietor of a country estateLuka, servant of Mrs. PopovA gardener. A coachman. Several workmen.The play takes place in the drawing room of Elena Ivanovna Popova's estate on the seven-month anniversary of her husband's death. Since her husband died, Popova has locked herself in the house in mourning. Her footman, Luka, begins the play by begging Popova to stop mourning and step outside the estate.