The Caucasian Chalk Circle: Constellation Theatre Avoids Making Their Revival a Roundabout Affair

Yesenia Iglesias, Lisa Hodsoll, Keith Irby and Teresa Spencer in The Caucasian Chalk Circle
Photo by Daniel Schwartz

Allegorical works are becoming more atypical during the age of Trump. For modern playwrights, it's easier to bluntly educate audiences (a la Arena Stage's Sovereignty), attack leaders (Mosaic Theatre's Vicuña), or explicitly advocate for change (Signature's 4,380 Nights). Burying meaning behind complex, and often ridiculous, stories can make underlying themes more difficult to parse for audience members. This proves a double-edged sword, however, as complex allegories give audiences a reason to dissect and discuss what has unfolded in front of them.

Constellation Theatre Company's new production of Bertolt Brecht's The Caucasian Chalk Circle isn't perfect. It is undoubtedly a celebration of what smart allegory can be. As this small theater company stretches itself to the limits to ensure they do Brecht's seminal work justice, they make great cases for both why more people should be visiting Constellation and why Brecht's work should be examined more often.

**For the complete review, head to BroadwayWorld.com

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