CAUCASIAN CHALK CIRCLE (Student Editions)

Book Details

• Author: Bertolt Brecht

• Brand: Bloomsbury

• Binding: Paperback

• Number of Pages: 152

• Release Date: 14-12-2021

• ISBN: 9789354357367

• Package Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.0 x 0.4 inches

• Languages: English

About The Book

The Caucasian Chalk Circle by Bertolt Brecht is a masterful blend of politics, theatre, and social commentary, set against the backdrop of Soviet Georgia. In this politically charged, much-revived play, Brecht takes an ancient Chinese story and adapts it into a vivid, realistic setting, creating a narrative that explores themes of justice, social systems, and collective class struggles. The play's central plot revolves around a dispute between two women over the possession of a child, echoing the biblical story of the Judgment of Solomon. The unruly and brilliant judge, Azdak, ensures that natural justice prevails, and Grusha, a peasant woman who is not the child’s biological mother, keeps the child she loves.

Written during Brecht's exile in the United States during World War II, The Caucasian Chalk Circle showcases his commitment to socialist ideals and his epic theatre style, designed to provoke thought and challenge conventional societal norms.

This new Student Edition, with introductory commentary and notes by Kristopher Imbrigotta, provides a fresh, contemporary perspective on the play, making it an essential resource for students and theatre enthusiasts alike. The introduction explores Brecht's narrative structure, the role of music and songs, and the wider context of his exile and political views, offering readers deeper insight into the play’s themes of justice, class, and collective action.

A timeless work of theatre, The Caucasian Chalk Circle is a profound exploration of the complexities of justice and society, making it an essential read for anyone interested in Brecht's revolutionary approach to theatre