Timely tales

Who should land belong to? The one who lays claim? Or perhaps the one who evinces the most promising use for all concerned?

Those pose as frame questions of sorts for Bertolt Brecht’s post-World War II play, The Caucasian Chalk Circle, scheduled to open Chico State’s spring 2003 drama season. Set in the fictional region of Grusinia, the tale focuses initially on a group of “happy” Soviet collective farmers arguing over how best to use their land. Upon agreement, they send for a storyteller, who relates the tale of Grusha, a young serving woman forced to care for the child of an aristocratic woman after the latter abandons the baby. Grusha travels the land, avoiding the evil “Ironshirts” and dealing with many another peril while trying to find the baby a safe home.

Chico State drama instructor Susan Pate, director of The Caucasian Chalk Circle, explains her choice.

“It’s very timely,” Pate says, “because of the whole Iraq war thing. And what the play has to say is that the little guy always gets it in the neck, no matter what.” Brecht’s observation seems to hold true regardless of what political affiliation those in power profess. “And if capitalists are in power,” Pate says, “that’s going to be terrible also.”

Watching the first act’s run-through in the Wismer Theater on campus, one is immediately struck by the efforts toward a smooth yet stylized choreography with the 45 actors, some of whom also play trees and other natural objects. The plaintive music, by Chico State professor Ernst Schoen-René, serves Brecht’s lyrics with an admirable economy that is fleshed out more by the accomplished musicianship of Jimmy and Nancy Borsdorf on guitar and fiddle, respectively.

This group’s efforts are shaping up commendably. And in the case of this play, if not the "land," this work will certainly belong to this production’s cast, crew and director.