A 360-degree theatrical experience
This production closed on May 13, 2018
The Caucasian
Chalk Circle
by Bertolt Brecht
English translation by Alistair Beaton
Directed by Allison Arkell Stockman
In its first major D.C. production in nearly 30 years, Brecht’s epic adventure comes to vibrant life in an innovative new production at Constellation Theatre. As corruption and violence rages in the Caucasus Mountains (giving the play its distinctive name), one woman’s heroism in saving an abandoned baby is put on trial, but what’s at stake is the entire social order. Constellation’s immersive staging gives audiences a front-row seat to Brecht’s brilliant scenes – from the heroine’s desperate tiptoe across a precarious rope bridge to the frantic courtroom drama that decides everyone’s fate.
With a cast of 14 actors playing more than 60 vivid characters – and propelled by a rock-inspired score performed live by a 3-piece band – the play recalls a time much like our own, one of political and social revolution, but fortified with a promise of compassion and hope.
Original music composed by Brian Lotter and Matthew Schleigh.
Experience this unique journey for yourself!
Run time: 2:39
Act 1 = 84 min
15 min intermission
Act 2 = 61 min
An Immersive Experience
For the first time in Constellation’s history, The Caucasian Chalk Circle will be staged in a 360-degree environment. The entire theatre becomes the stage. No curtain, no back wall, no proscenium.
As part of the staging, audience members will be able to sit amongst the action or watch the show from afar. The space is divided into two seating types (360 Degree View and Front View), and three price categories (Premium, Standard, Economy).
If you want to be surrounded by the action, choose 360-DEGREE VIEW.
If you want to watch the story unfold in front of you, a more typical theatre seat, please choose FRONT VIEW.
Click to view seating chart
THE ENSEMBLE
Singer/Azdak ................................................................................ Matthew Schleigh*
Grusha ................................................................................................ Yesenia Iglesias
Simon ...................................................................................................... Drew Kopas*
Governor and Others .................................................................................. Keith Irby
Governor’s Wife and Others ............................................................. Teresa Spencer
Adjutant and Others .............................................................................. Greg Ongao
Doctor and Others ............................................................................ Natalie Cutcher
Cook and Others ........................................................................... Amanda Forstrom
Sergeant and Others ............................................................. Scott Ward Abernethy
Lavrenti and Others ................................................................................... Ashley Ivey
Mother and Others ................................................................................. Lisa Hodsoll
Jussup and Others ............................................................................... Brian Reisman
Shauva and Others ............................................................................ Tamieka Chavis
Ludovica and Others ........................................................................... Billie Krishawn
THE BAND
Keyboard ..................................................................................................... Ben Lurye
Percussion ......................................................................................... Manny Arcinega
Guitar ............................................................................................ Matthew Schleigh*
UNDERSTUDIES
Scott Ward Abernethy (Singer/Azdak); Rebecca Ballinger (Cook, Doctor); Amanda Forstrom (Grusha); Justus Hammond (Adjutant, Sergeant); Tess Higgins (Governor’s Wife, Ludovica); Louis Lavoie (Lavrenti, Jussup); Thais Menendez (Mother, Shauva); Greg Ongao (Governor); Brian Reisman (Simon)
PRODUCTION TEAM
Production Stage Manager ..................................................... Sarah Kate Patterson
Production Assistant Stage Manager ….........................................… Carissa Gilson
Assistant Stage Manager ………................................................… Stephen Bubniak
Technical Director …..............................................................................… Mike Salmi
Scenic Charge ..............................................................................……… Megan Hart
Master Electrician ….........................................................................…… Rachel Prell
Light Board Op / Electrician ..........................................................….. Kaitlin Tinsley
Sound Programmer ............................................................................... Ryan Gravett
Audio 1 ...............................................................................................…. Michael Vest
Audio 2 ...................................................................................................…. Eric Johns
Sound Assistant .............................................................................…. Tosin Olufolabi
Photographer ...............................................................................…. Daniel Schwartz
Publicity Consultant ..................................................................…. Michael Solomon
*Member of Actors' Equity Association
THE CREATIVE TEAM
directed by
Allison Arkell Stockman
choreography by
Tony Thomas II
music composed by
Brian Lotter & Matthew Schleigh
Scenic & Lighting Designer
A.J. Guban^
Costume Designer
Kelsey Hunt^
Puppet Designer
Matthew Aldwin McGee
Sound Designer
Gordon Nimmo-Smith
Properties Designer
Crista Noel Smith
Fight Choreographer
Casey Kaleba
Assistant Director
Rebecca Wahls
Dramaturg
Corinne Hayes
^Member of USA Local 829
A 360 Degree
Theatrical Experience!