Show ended
Now this is interesting. Last seen in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cinderella, Carrie Hope Fletcher takes the role of Grusha in a rare revival of one of Brecht’s most accessible and electrifying plays. It’s a story within a story framed by a group of villagers who want to take over land to grow fruit. To further their case they tell the story of Grusha who recues a child deserted by its mother. But when the biological mother returns and demands the child back the case is put before a mysterious judge. Hope Fletcher has proved herself a marvel in musical theatre and here under Christopher Haydon’s direction she gets to spread her wings in a role tackled by some of our greatest classical actors including Juliet Stevenson in Complicite’s 1997 revival at the National Theatre.
In the midst of a bloody revolution, a young woman risks everything to rescue the abandoned child of the Governor and his wife. Years later, when the Governor’s wife returns seeking her son, a raucous rogue judge turns justice on its head. Can the test of the chalk circle determine which of the two women is the boy’s real mother? Brimming with original songs and full of mischievous humour, this is the first major London production of Bertolt Brecht’s epic masterpiece for 25 years. A gripping adventure developed in association with MGC, this new version by Steve Waters (Limehouse, Donmar Warehouse), with music by Michael Henry (Barber Shop Chronicles, National Theatre) is directed by Rose Artistic Director, Christopher Haydon. Age Recommendation: 12+ Warning: Some strong language
The Caucasian Chalk Circle, Brechts epic masterpiece, returns to London. As revolution wages, a young woman risks her own life to save an infant child. But when his biological mother returns in search of him, a new kind of justice is proposed. This is the test of the chalk circle…
See this brand new version of a beloved classic infused with new life, new humour, and lots of entirely original music, starring Carrie Hope Fletcher as Grusha. The Caucasian Chalk Circle comes to Kingston’s Rose Theatre this October.
The Caucasian Chalk Circle tells a timeless story of love and conflict. When a bloody revolution breaks out, maid Grusha’s first thought is to carry the Governor’s child away from the danger. Raising him as her own, Grusha keeps the child’s lineage hidden. But when the Governor’s wife returns for her child years later, a judge has an imaginative idea. Will the test of the chalk circle reveal who truly is the child’s mother?
Part of Berthold Brecht’s epic theatre, The Caucasian Chalk Circle remains one his most beloved, challenging and moving works. This adaptation from playwright Steve Waters relocates the play from a warring Soviet Union to a present day refugee camp, invigorating the show with modern day sensibilities. Music has always been an important part of Brecht’s work, and original songs in this production help to infuse it with new life.
The Caucasian Chalk Circle stars Carrie Hope Fletcher as Grusha. Beloved fan favourite and YouTube sensation, Fletcher is known for her work in Heathers, Les Miserables, and The Addams Family. Jonathon Slinger plays Azdak. Slinger is known in particular for his work as a Shakespearean actor, having starred in productions of Hamlet, Macbeth and The Tempest. Further casting is yet to be announced.
The Caucasian Chalk Circle is based on the original play by Bertold Brecht. Part of his revolutionary epic theatre, The Caucasian Chalk Circle is one of the most regularly performed German plays and has captivated audiences for nearly 80 years.
This adaptation comes from playwright Steve Waters, author of Limehouse and The Contingency. It is directed by Christopher Hayden, the Artistic Director of Rose Theatre. A new roster of original songs comes from Michael Henry, known for his work on Barbershop Chronicles.
Also on the creative team are Oli Townsend (set and costume), David Plater (lighting design), and Gareth Fry (sound design). The associate director is Layla Madanat. Lucy Cullingford is movement director, whilst the casting director is Christopher Worral.
The Caucasian Chalk Circle comes to Kingston’s Rose Theatre this October 1 – 22 for a limited run. A timeless story of conflict, humanity and the meaning of motherhood, this is not one to miss. Witness this spectacular cast in action before demand runs out – book now to avoid disappointment. Don’t delay securing your tickets!