[NEohioPAL] Review - Shahrazad Theatre Company - The Caucasian Chalk Circle

[Peter Spellos]

The Caucasian Chalk Circle is a wonderful example of Brecht's Epic Theatre.
Brecht was a significant creator and contributor of Epic Theatre during the
mid- 20th century. This theatrical movement was created in response to the
politics of his day. Brecht wanted to make the audience think, and used a
range of devices to remind them that they were watching theatre, and not
real life. It is a very difficult play to stage.

The Caucasian Chalk Circle is a parable about a peasant girl who rescues a
baby and becomes a better mother than its wealthy, natural parents.
Brecht’s intention was to get the audience members to question the
situation depicted in the play, and ask the fundamental question: "What
would I do if I were in this situation?" Unfortunately, this is the major
issue that the Shahrazad Theatre Company does not manage to accomplish. The
production falls short of pushing the boundaries of Brecht's mission,
making the evening quite unfulfilling. At times, a degree of confusion
seems to be built into the director's analysis of the text, and the acting
choices are a bit labored. The production never gets to the point...it
feels so bewildering that the oddness of the show eclipses the text.

One wonders why a fledgling, young theatre company would chose such
difficult material to produce: it is evident that this kind of material is
above their grasp. The saying, "Don't bite off more than you can chew",
comes to mind.
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