The Caucasian Chalk Circle

Developed in the aftermath of World War II while Brecht was living in Hollywood writing screenplays, this work resonates with themes of sacrifice and salvation, echoing the Judgement of Solomon. Grusha is a maid caught holding a baby in the middle of a revolution. Her mistress has fled, taking the fancy dresses but forgetting the child, and Grusha is off to the mountains with the insurgency hot on her heels. Even when the war ends, she’s not out of the woods. But lucky for Grusha, Brecht’s greatest character – Azdak – is on the bench. The Caucasian Chalk Circle is by Bertolt Brecht, and directed by Kate Whoriskey.