Day 17: Exit, Pursued by a Bear

Possibly the greatest stage direction of all time. After Antigonus has safely delivered King Leontes' banished infant to Bohemia (where she will ultimately be found and raised by a passing shepherd) he exits, saying "I am gone forever." Then the stage direction is "Exit, pursued by a bear." A motherfucking bear! Did Shakespeare intend to use a real bear for this one second scene? Was there someone in a bear costume? Was it just a growly noise and a furry shape? THERE'S NOT EVEN A BEAR MENTIONED IN THE CAST LIST! He just sort of throws it in there. CRAZY!

It has understandably become one of Shakespeare's most famous stage directions, and has inspired blogs, novels and even a band name. 

One thing's for sure: If I'm ever in a production of The Winter's Tale, I'm going to demand to play the bear.