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‘Moments of Justice’ in Brecht Drama

Bertold Brecht’s The Caucasian Chalk Circle will be presented March 4–9 in Wismer Theatre. The drama is set in a destroyed valley of the Caucasian Mountains in Soviet Georgia, immediately after World War II. A group of peasants squabble about who should own a piece of land abandoned during the war. Should it be given to the owners, who never did much with it, or deeded to new owners who will increase the productivity of the land?

A play within the initial play begins when a storyteller tells the peasants the tale of “The Caucasian Chalk Circle,” a story about a woman who rescues an abandoned royal child during a revolution. The royal family wants the child back, and a court must decide who should get custody of the child—the biological mother or the woman who saved and nurtured him. The peasants in the initial play learn a lesson about the land they are fighting over.

The Caucasian Chalk Circle is directed by Sue Pate, who said she chose this play for three reasons: the story, the message, and the style. “I love the story—a woman sacrifices her dreams for a child left behind by its own mother, because it’s the right thing to do,” Pate said. “I love Brecht’s message—in this crazy world, where those in power misuse it, there are occasional moments of justice.”

The production features poems, masks, and exaggerated characterizations. There are 45 characters played by 18 actors, a feat they accomplish by using masks, costumes, and changing their voices.

Pate, who started teaching in the theatre arts department in 1986, coordinates the dance portion of the musical theatre degree. Ernst Schoen-René, English, composed original music for the production and is playing several parts. The minimalist set was designed by Marty Gilbert, Theatre Arts, and a student. Charlie Urbanowicz, Anthropology, is the play’s dramaturge, and he also plays several parts.

Lisa Kirk

See calendar for ticket information.