For the last production of the 2023-2024 school year, Theatre USA presents “The Caucasian Chalk Circle” by Bertolt Brecht. It opened Friday, April 12 at 7:30 p.m. at Laidlaw Performing Arts Center. 

In the Caucasus mountains of the Georgia region of the Soviet Union in the aftermath of World War II, a young palace maid, played by Autumn Bryant, cares for an abandoned child after a bloody coup. She explores the true meaning of compassion, love and ownership. The modernist playwright wrote the play between 1941 and 1944 while in America as an exile from Nazi Germany. 

Directed by John Nara, the play is a mischievously good time filled with creativity and emotion. Every intricate moving part functions together to capture the attention of each audience member. Actors jump around the set, playing multiple roles and expressively telling the story through the witty play-within-a-play structure. 

Music proves to be the heart of “Caucasian Chalk Circle.” There are plenty of musical elements, from songs to on-stage instrument accompaniment. Eli Cali not only performs live music throughout, but he also composed original music for the song lyrics specified in the script. 

Christina Johnson’s costuming immerses viewers into the world with their gorgeously intricate designs. Production design was developed by Claire Rockwell, set and lighting was under the management of Zach Gibson, and sound was designed by Wes Genard. 

Performances took place at Laidlaw Performing Arts Center on April 12-14 and April 17. There are two more shows: tonight, April 18 and tomorrow, April 19. The remaining shows will begin at 7:30 p.m. The run time is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, with one 15 minute intermission. 

The Laidlaw ticket booth is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays. Tickets may also be purchased one hour before the show begins. For additional ticketing information, call 251-460-6303.

Theatre USA has had a brilliant set of productions over the 2023-2024 school year, including “Steel Magnolias” by Robert Harling, “The Pillowman” by Martin McDonagh, “Gruesome Playground Injuries” by Rajiv Joseph and now “Caucasian Chalk Circle” by Bertolt Brecht. Follow @usatheatreanddance on Instagram to stay up to date on Theatre USA and see next fall’s lineup of performances.