This is the story of a domesticated bear named Maria, who lives in
Dushanbe, Tajikistan.Twenty three years ago, Maria's master rescued her
from hunters that had killed her mother. The man, now an elderly
bachelor, cared for the bear, and trained her to perform on the
streets of her city. Maria and her master through their daily routine in their modest home, and follows them through the streets of Dushanbe on foot,as well as public bus, on days when Maria performs for adoring city
residents.The bear's owner tells her life story alongside his own,
describing their fortunes through folk and religious references. He
worries more about Maria's fate as his health declines, displaying
compassion that contrasts sharply with the physical abuse he uses to
motivate her street performances, which earn his livelihood.
