The Caucasian Chalk enthrals theatre-goers

31 August 2015

 

The eagerly awaited stage play within a play, The Caucasian Chalk Circle, opened at the Space.com youth development theatre at the Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein to a standing ovation and critical acclaim at the weekend.

 

The play is based on German modernist playwright Bertolt Brecht’s 1944 classic, Kaukasische Kreiderkreis, which was initially unpopular but was eventually popularised by Minnesota University students, who staged the production at Carleton College in 1948. The work, which will form part of the South African school syllabus from next year, is gifted TV actor Lebohang Motaung’s first serious foray into theatre.

 

Wits University alumni Motaung (34), remembered for his role as Reneilwe’s sugar daddy in the popular soapie Generations, dons the hat of producer and mentor, while Performing Arts Fund member Koketso Charlotte Motlhabane has stepped into the director’s shoes. The play will be staged at the Joburg Theatre until Sunday September 6.

 

It is a collaboration between PAF and the Joburg Theatre Youth Development Centre to support young people who want to study performing arts. PAF was established when Motlhabane and a group of like-minded young performers put their heads together to find a way of making this happen. Although largely sticking to the original script and plot, Motaung and Motlhabane have liberally sprinkled their offering with South African languages and expressions, lending a natural feel and an air of relatability to the production for local audiences.

 

The play kicks off with a land claim and skilfully marries two narratives – that of a young maid who saves the life of the infant boy of her despotic master during an insurrection and that chronicling the rise of a man who, in his new role as a judge, finds their lives in his hands. The play depicts this while making oblique references to themes such as government corruption, abuse of power, social inequities, the gap between rich and poor, child neglect and women abuse.

 

The Caucasian Chalk Circle also makes liberal use of concepts such as verfremdungseffekt (distancing) and gestus (the use of physical gestures), developed by Brecht, who wanted his work to move audiences to action rather than merely provide them with catharsis.

 

“Everything went off without a hitch on the opening night and so far we haven’t had any critics, only people who said they loved it. It’s all been positive feedback,” said Motlhabane.

 

Said Motaung: “We started with nothing. But, thanks to the great support from Joburg Theatre and all those who devoted their time and energy to the project, I think we are really on our way to something great here. The proceeds of every ticket sold will go towards the development of aspiring theatre performers.”