THE CAUCASIAN CHALK CIRCLE

by Brecht Bertolt

Directed by Sara Calver

Performed by Acting Year 2 students

The Singer introduces the story of choice and sacrifice. The servant girl Grusha sacrifices everything she has to look after an abandoned child, even marrying a dying peasant in order to provide for him. But when the boy’s biological mother attempts to reclaim him, the unruly judge Azdak, one of Brecht’s most vivid creations, calls on the ancient tradition of the chalk circle to resolve the dispute. Brecht subverts an ancient Chinese story (echoed in the Judgement of Solomon) into a parable advocating that resources should go to those best able to make use of them.

Written in exile in the United States during the Second World War The Caucasian Chalk Circle is a politically charged, much-revived and complex example of Brecht’s epic theatre.

Please note:

* Entry to the performance will not be allowed once the play has started.

* No suitable for children under 14.

* Two-hour performance in English. There will be an interval.