The Caucasian Chalk Circle

Synopsis

When the Governor's Wife abandons her baby in her haste to keep her collection of dresses, Grusha, the humble kitchen maid, saves the child from death and faces danger and adversity to protect him. A drunken village clerk, Azdak, is made judge by accident and tries her case. An epic and compelling morality tale of possession and rights.

Our Review:

Anne Morley-Priestman - 2 February 2011

So many of Brecht’s dramatic innovations have filtered themselves into the bloodstream of British theatre that it’s difficult to recall the impact of his Berliner Ensemble’s London season of 1956. Like many other playgoers who saw the productions then, I recognised that theatre as I understood it to be was never going to be the same again.

So how to approach The Caucasian Chalk Circle in 2011? Blackeyed Theatre, a company which makes a virtue out of staging lean but not mean ensemble productions, uses Frank McGuinness’ 1997 adaptation for its spring tour with five actors sharing all the parts as the folk tale cum parable of blood maternal greed and surrogate maternal unselfishness evolves from a village dispute over land rights.

Tom Neill’s direction emphasises the symbolic aspects of the stories within stories. Victoria Spearing’s set is basically a door frame above which is suspended a noose and a coat-hanger. [Fiona Da...

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Latest User Review

Rob Barron - 1 March 2011:

Lighthouse, Poole: Mon 28th Feb. This was one of the most enjoyable evenings I have had for some time with the entire cast of 5 bringing the many characters to life beautifully. Anna Glynn must take a special mention as she was quite stunning as the main character, Grusha, as well as playing her own nemesis who eventually battles with her for the custody of the child. I cannot recommend this highly enough, it was pure theatre at its very best....

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