The Caucasian Chalk Circle

A spectacular production featuring live sand art and an original musical score.

In the chaos of a violent, bloody coup, those in power flee – leaving behind an abandoned baby, the deposed governor’s son. Grusha, a young kitchen maid, finds the child and, in a courageous act of compassion, decides to rescue him and find a safer place.
When the war finally subsides, Grusha faces a new battle: the governor’s wife returns and claims the child back.
Both women are summoned before Judge Azdak, who must determine who the true mother is – the one who gave him life, or the one who risked everything to protect it.
A thrilling new adaptation of Bertolt Brecht’s masterful play.

Show Duration 160 Minutes Including a break

Upcoming Performances

Reviews

Aya Hayut, Yedioth Ahronoth:

"An enjoyable and distinctive production that succeeds in both entertaining and provoking thought. Joy Rieger, in the role of Grusha, manages to be at once childlike and determined, powerful and funny - a character it is easy to identify with, and also to admire."

Haaretz:

"Joy Rieger is very natural on stage, conveying the character’s simplicity in a beautiful and moving way, as well as the nobility of a Grusha and her fundamental kindness.
Maya Maoz is convincing and powerful as the governor’s materialistic and cold wife, who looks down on the people.
Eli Bijaoui, who also translated and adapted the songs, occasionally incorporates local references that prompt the audience to laugh."

Yuval Erel, Yuval Erel’s Blog:

"In this version, the power of the text, the beauty of the parable, and the fundamental human message that continues to ask who owns what, and who truly deserves it, are all preserved. Shmuel’s direction gives the story its rhythm and tone, and succeeds in bringing out the full human depth of the text by Brecht and Bijaoui."

Vesti Newspaper:

"Joy Rieger, as Grusha, lives a full life on stage before the audience’s eyes: she transforms from simple and open‑hearted to determined and steadfast. Norman Issa delivers one of his finest performances here. The character of the judge is a simple man with somewhat coarse humor and a clear enjoyment of his role. Noam Shmuel can be congratulated on a successful debut at Habima - the production proves that the theater’s management made the right choice."

Complimentary:

"There are few moments when my breath is physically taken away by the splendor of a theatrical creation… But every now and then, a production comes along that causes even me to lose my breath and remain speechless for days afterward. Among those productions - the very best of the best - is one in which all the elements that compose it come together into a whole that is nothing short of perfection… This is an unforgettable theatrical event. Bravo."

Photography: Gal Rozenman

Creators and Cast

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