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A CurtainUp 
London Review
London ReviewThe Caucasian Chalk Circle
by Tim Newns
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Terrible is the temptation to do good! — The Singer
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Charlotte Marfhan as Grusha (Photo: Navin Agarwal) |
A play within a play, the exterior setting of the piece centres around a debate between two companies, a wine producer and a cheese producer, and who should get the sole use of a disputed plot of land. From within this conflict arises a band of travelling players who perform for both the audience and the warring parties a moral tale about a Governor's wife's maid, Grusha, who flees a coup in her city with the baby of her employer. An epic piece to describe, but essentially the story follows her flight to the mountains and her many trials and tribulations along the way. The play concludes with a chalk circle being drawn to decide whether the Governor's child is better off with Grusha or the Governor's wife.
Straight from the beginning we are clearly introduced into Brecht's world of Epic Theatre. Interaction with the audience and the two panels is an intriguing method, and combined with bright lighting and visible technical equipment, it instils in the audience the notion early on that they will constantly be aware they are watching a play. The production is full of quintessential Brechtian elements; actors sitting just off stage, props with labels on, visible scaffolding and sound effects being created live by the cast.
It is an extraordinarily ensemble piece and the cast do very well at keeping the pace and flavour of Brecht alive throughout. With many if not all the cast playing multiple roles, the play is a great canvas for showcasing new and exciting talent. With such a dedicated troupe of young actors it is hard to pinpoint particular performances but Charlotte Mafham certainly shines as a torn and desperate Grusha. The singing and music composition was impressive and aided the narrative throughout.
Adam Hemming and Pradeep Jey's direction was consistent and sound, and they certainly made very good use of the space. At times, the production did show signs of perhaps slipping into the more dramatic theatre that we are, as an audience, so used to, and I was often yearning to be challenged more by the content - perhaps by more moments of awareness for the audience.
However, this is a piece of theatre that is full of character and intrigue and succeeds in arousing opinions and beliefs in its audience. A promising and engaging production for an innovative space that certainly has some bright years ahead.
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| The Caucasian Chalk Circle
Written by Bertolt Brecht Directed by Adam Hemming and Pradeep Jey With: Nicky Diss, Lindsay Dukes, Mary Emmot, Elaine Hartley, Mairi Hayes, Duncan Leighton, Tom Lynam, Charlotte Mafham, Madeleine MacMahon, Karl Niklas, Alyssa Noble, Rachel Nussbaum, Kiel O'Shea, Gemma Rook, Steven Shawcroft, Molly Small Design: Narmeen Rehman Lighting: Andy Straw Sound: Kyle Stealey A Spaceworks production Songs and Music composed by: Lindsay Dukes, Elaine Hartley, Tom Lynam, Karl Niklas, Rachel Nussbaum and Gemma Rook Running time: Two hours and 30 minutes with a 10 minute interval Box Office: 020 7515 7799 Booking to 2nd April 2011 Reviewed by Tim Newns based on 17th March 2011 performance at The Space, 269 Westferry Road, London E14 3RS (Tube: Mudchute) |
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