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What happens in Caucasian Chalk Circle?
The Caucasian Chalk Circle (German: Der kaukasische Kreidekreis) is a play by the German modernist playwright Bertolt Brecht. An example of Brecht’s epic theatre, the play is a parable about a peasant girl who rescues a baby and becomes a better mother than the baby’s wealthy biological parents.
What time period is the Caucasian Chalk Circle?
The parable, set during a feudal insurrection in the 13th century, concerns the struggle of two women over the custody of a child.
What is the chalk circle?
The Chalk Circle (sometimes translated The Circle of Chalk), by Li Qianfu, is a Yuan dynasty (1259–1368) Chinese classical zaju verse play and gong’an crime drama, in four acts with a prologue. It was preserved in a collection entitled Yuan-chu-po-cheng, or The Hundred Pieces.
Who is the protagonist of Caucasian Chalk Circle?
The protagonist of the play is Grusha, a young woman. The narrator of the story is Arkadi Tscheidse, a singer and storyteller who is renowned in the region; he begins the play by telling us a story about Grusha. Arkadi talks about The Caucasian Chalk Circle, which creates a play-within-a-play structure.
Where is Caucasian Chalk Circle set?
the Caucasus Mountains of Georgia
The Caucasian Chalk Circle is a parable inspired by the Chinese play Chalk Circle. Written at the close of World War II, the story is set in the Caucasus Mountains of Georgia, and retells the tale of King Solomon and a child claimed by two mothers.
Who is Grusha Vashnadze?
The protagonist of The Caucasian Chalk Circle and an emblem of goodness, righteousness, and justice, the servant-girl Grusha represents Brecht’s desire for a society built on the success and triumph of the lower classes over their wealthy and powerful overlords, as well as his desire for a world built on lovingkindness …
What is the setting of The Caucasian Chalk Circle?
The Caucasian Chalk Circle is a parable inspired by the Chinese play Chalk Circle. Written at the close of World War II, the story is set in the Caucasus Mountains of Georgia, and retells the tale of King Solomon and a child claimed by two mothers.
How many acts are in the Caucasian Chalk Circle?
In addition to the Prologue there are five scenes or episodes – they are not referred to as acts.
When was the Caucasian Chalk Circle first performed?
1948The Caucasian Chalk Circle / First performance
“The Caucasian Chalk Circle” was first performed at Carleton on May 4-8, 1948, under the direction of Henry Goodman, a World War II veteran who was exposed to Brecht’s works in German theaters.