The Caucasian Chalk Circle at Budapest Operetta and Musical Theatre

Brecht based his 1945 play on the story of Solomon from the Old Testament and on a 14th-century Chinese chalk circle tale. The play takes place in Georgia during a civil war. Grusha, the maid cannot help but save the son of the beheaded governor, who had been left behind by his mother. Sacrificing her love, Grusha leaves with the boy, adopts him and raises him as his mother. After the war, the governor's wife returns and claims back his son. The case is taken to court to be decided by Azdak, a former scrivener, who is devising a test: a circle of chalk is drawn, and the true mother has to pull the child from the centre.

As we can see, Brecht wrote an intriguing, exciting, yet witty and satiric play with lots of emotional drama and philosophical content.

The production was scored by Paul Dessau, whose music, together with Brecht's unique style makes the play an unforgettable theatrical experience, which features a soubrette, a dramatic actor, an opera singer and a musical star as well.