<div dir="ltr"><div style="direction:ltr">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Tahoma;font-size:10pt;margin:0in 0in 8pt"><font size="3"><font face="Calibri">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.</font></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Tahoma;font-size:10pt;margin:0in 0in 8pt"><font size="3"><font face="Calibri">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.</font></font><font size="3" face="Calibri"> </font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt"><font size="3" style=""><font face="Calibri" style=""><font color="#000000" face="Tahoma"><span style="font-size:10pt">One wonders why a </span></font><font color="#000000">fledgling</font><font color="#000000" face="Tahoma"><span style="font-size:10pt">, 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. </span></font></font></font></p></div></div>