The University of Evansville (UE) Theatre continues their spring 2022 season with Bertolt Brecht’s The Caucasian Chalk Circle, English version by Eric Bentley. Teeming with political overtones and a sharp look at human nature, this play, written at the end of World War II, retells the story of an innocent child claimed and fought over by two mothers, resulting in one of the most riveting trials ever staged. This production opens on Thursday, February 24, at 7:30 p.m. in the May Studio Theatre. Additional performances are 7:30 p.m. on February 25 and 26, and at 2:00 p.m. on February 26 and 27.
The Caucasian Chalk Circle is directed by Obi Roberts, a senior theatre performance major from Arvada, Colorado. Angus Creech, a senior theatre studies major from Brooklyn, New York, serves as the scenic designer; Sara Mathew, a junior design and technology major from Union, Kentucky, is the costume designer; Stephen Boulmetis, associate professor of lighting design, serves as the lighting designer; guest artist Araceli Ramirez serves as the sound designer; Rebecca Conaway, a junior theatre studies major from Wellsburg, West Virginia, is the dramaturg; Madison Wilson, a junior stage management major from Fort Worth, Texas, is the stage manager, and Blake Cooper, assistant technical director and scene shop manager, serves as the technical director.
The cast features Jake Conrad, a junior performance major from Olympia, Washington, as the singer; Kayleigh Doyle, a senior performance major from McKinney, Texas, as Grusha; Aivelyn Karsten, a junior performance major from Clackamas, Oregon, as Simon; Josh Gelman, a senior performance major from Denver, Colorado, as Azdak; Ben Bravard, a junior performance major from Batavia, Ohio, as Governor and others; Liv Campbell, a senior performance major from Kingwood, Texas, as Delegate and others; Jack Cory, a junior performance major from Southlake, Texas, as Fat Prince and others; and Bryce Galvan, a junior performance major from West Carrollton, Ohio, as Adjutant and others; Lillie Kolich, a senior performance major from Albuquerque, New Mexico, as Governor’s wife and others; Kirkland Long, a senior performance major from Canal Winchester, Ohio, as Corporal and others; Jeff Parkinson, a junior performance major from Mercer Island, Washington, as Lavrenti and others; Lindsay Perr, a first-year performance major from Medford, New Jersey, as Sister-in-law and others; and Brynna Waters, a first-year performance major from Brownsburg, Indiana, as Shauwa and others.
In following industry standards, as established by the Broadway League, all audience members must show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test result taken within 48 hours of the date on their ticket. Upon arrival at the theatre, proof of vaccination/negative test result and an ID will be checked before each performance. In compliance with the UE Coronavirus Task Force guidelines, all audience members must remain masked when indoors on campus. Additionally, both Shanklin Theatre and the May Studio Theatre will be seated at no more than 50% capacity. The restrictions are in place to allow student actors to safely perform unmasked in both spaces.
Ticket prices are $12. UE students may obtain one free student rush ticket beginning at 12 p.m. on the day of the performance they wish to attend. Seating is limited and tickets are available by calling 812-488-2031.