Ana-Catrina Buchser
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The Caucasian Chalk Circle

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by Bertolt Brecht

Dragon Productions
Palo Alto, CA
August 3 - 27, 2006

Scenic Design: Ron Gasparinetti
Costume Design: Meredith Hagedorn and Ana-Catrina Buchser
Lighting & Sound Design: Andrew Custer
Music: Ana-Catrina Buchser

Featuring:
Heidi Kobara as Singer
Gil Allanic as Peasant/Doctor/Lavrenti Vashnadze
Sarah Kishler as Girl Tractor Driver/Beggar/The Cook Nina/Peasant Woman/Neighbor
John T. Aney as Georgi Abashwili/Azdak
Emily King as Natella Abashwilli/Peasant Woman
Arcadia Conrad as Grusha Vashnadze
Ben Ladomirak as Simon Shashava
Bob May as Grand Duke/Monk
Joe Karle as Delegate/Jussup
Pilar Alvarez as Aniko/Suleka/Shauwa
Elizabeth Finkler as Peasant/Shalva
Max Grusky as Peasant Child/Poor Old Peasant
Emmy Farese as Peasant Child/Poor Old Peasant
Joshua Vazquez as Peasant Child
Dashiel Grusky as Michael

 

PRESS

Worth every minute, cent... (and piastre)! “A great experience of sight, sound and mind! Amazing "multiple" character portrayals/mannerisms from the ensemble of 15, great pacing, dashes of comedy throughout (with surprises and twists), hauntingly beautiful singing and music to Brecht's lyrics, a love story with true chemistry. Satire and contradictions galore.”
- anonymous audience review, posted at Artsopolis.com

Good beyond standard theatre. “A very timely & creative rendition of Brecht's war-torn story. I really liked the combination of music with the story, complete with harmony and accompaniment performed by the actors themselves (very talented). There was deep rooted humor and irony that kept me chuckling throughout the show. I agree that it's a long show, but it is well worth it. The Female/Male love interest had incredible energy together. Brecht's play is full of meaning and values that go beyond eye candy and drama.”
- anonymous audience review, posted at Artsopolis.com

Amazing Show. “This play is politically potent and incredibly powerful. Great ensemble performances. A must-see...when does one get a chance to see Brecht in this intimate a venue?”
This play is politically potent and incredibly powerful. Great ensemble performances. A must-see...when does one get a chance to see Brecht in this intimate a venue?
- audience member Elm Kendall, posted at Artsopolis.com

Russian Coup, August 9th, 2006
Metroactive

Intrigue surrounds “Chalk Circle”, August 11th, 2006
Palo Alto Daily News

Full Circle, August 18th, 2006
Palo Alto Weekly