The Caucasian Chalk Circle – Burgess Hill Girls
05 Mar 2025
Burgess Hill Girls presents The Caucasian Chalk Circle
The school’s recent production of The Caucasian Chalk Circle showcased an outstanding display of theatrical talent, blending Brechtian storytelling with powerful social commentary. With striking performances, innovative staging, and a meaningful connection to contemporary issues, the production left a lasting impression on audiences.
Burgess Hill Girls delivered a breathtaking and thought-provoking production of The Caucasian Chalk Circle, a play that remains as powerful and relevant today as when it was first written. This ambitious and dynamic production captivated audiences and demonstrated the exceptional talent, dedication, and creativity of the students and staff involved.
Set against the backdrop of war and political turmoil, The Caucasian Chalk Circle tells the story of Grusha Vashnadze, (played by Kiya Foreman and Lexie Budd), a humble maid who risks everything to save Michael, an abandoned child. As Grusha embarks on a perilous journey across a ravaged land, her resilience, love, and selflessness are put to the ultimate test. The play’s exploration of class, power, and the true meaning of justice was brought to life through compelling performances, evocative set design, and meticulous attention to detail. The cast delivered deeply moving portrayals, ensuring that each moment of Grusha’s struggle resonated profoundly with the audience.
One of the production’s most striking creative choices was the use of a puppet to represent the abandoned child, Michael. This emotive and symbolic approach heightened the themes of vulnerability and displacement, allowing the audience to form a deeper connection with Grusha’s plight. The puppetry was performed with extraordinary sensitivity, bringing an eerie yet profoundly moving presence to the stage. The child’s fragility, conveyed through the puppet’s delicate movements, underscored the harsh realities of war and sacrifice.
The production’s direction masterfully balanced Brecht’s signature Epic Theatre style with emotional depth, engaging spectators while prompting critical reflection on the play’s themes. The minimalistic yet highly effective set design allowed for seamless transitions between the diverse settings of the play, from the grandeur of the Governor’s palace to the desolation of war-torn villages. The use of bold lighting and striking visual compositions underscored the stark contrasts between power and poverty, privilege and oppression, justice and corruption.
Movement played an integral role in the production, infusing the narrative with energy and emotional resonance. The choreography and physical storytelling elevated the performances, ensuring that every movement and gesture contributed to the play’s overarching themes. The ensemble cast worked cohesively to create a vivid and immersive experience, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of the characters.
Director, Emma Cassim’s ability to draw out raw, nuanced performances from the cast, while seamlessly blending Brechtian techniques with heartfelt storytelling, was truly commendable. Her dedication to highlighting the play’s contemporary relevance and her meticulous attention to detail ensured that this production resonated profoundly with its audience. Speaking on the production, Cassim remarked, ‘Brecht’s world is both vividly otherworldly and uncomfortably familiar, and so we hope to echo this with our telling of the story. The injustices woven into his narrative are not theatrical fabrications; these are truths that hit home: here, now, today.’
Beyond its artistic success, The Caucasian Chalk Circle also served as a platform for important social discussions. The production was performed in support of Migrant Help UK, a charity dedicated to assisting displaced individuals and refugees. By aligning with this cause, Burgess Hill Girls extended the play’s themes beyond the stage, using theatre as a means to inspire awareness, empathy, and action.
The success of this production reaffirms Burgess Hill Girls’ reputation for delivering outstanding theatrical performances. The ability to take on such a complex and layered play, while making it accessible, engaging, and socially relevant, is a testament to the passion and expertise of the drama department. This production will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the school’s most compelling and impactful performances, leaving a lasting impression on all who were fortunate enough to witness it.
A huge congratulations to the entire cast, crew, and creative team for their hard work and dedication. The Caucasian Chalk Circle at Burgess Hill Girls was more than just a play—it was a powerful and moving theatrical event that resonated deeply with audiences and reflected the power of storytelling to challenge, inspire, and unite us all.