The Caucasian Chalk Circle Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Linda Flores
Phone: 802.246.6398
Email: marketing@neyt.org
Website: neyt.org/caucasian-chalk-circle

Sandglass Theater Founder Eric Bass Directs Brecht Masterpiece, The Caucasian Chalk Circle, at NEYT

Brattleboro, VT - This April 10-12, New England Youth Theatre (NEYT) will present its Senior Company of student actors and crew in Bertolt Brecht’s The Caucasian Chalk Circle. Eric Bass, founder of Sandglass Theater, will direct this musical and mask-filled take on the parable of the Judgement of King Solomon.

Within the heightened comedic drama, two stories converge: that of Grusha, the kitchen maid who goes through many ordeals to save the infant of an overthrown Governor; and Azdak, the corrupt judge who is charged with deciding whether or not Grusha must return the child to the woman who abandoned it. Director Eric Bass’ past collaborator Ralph Denzer provides Eastern European-inspired arrangements of Brecht’s lyrics, taught to the actors by Music Director Magda Sharff. Sandglass Theater’s Artistic Director Shoshana Bass lends her talents as choreographer.

Perhaps most extraordinary is the fruit of NEYT Scenic Director Dave Regan’s labor,  with the help of a team of student and adult collaborators: close to three dozen handmade masks that will allow Brecht’s exaggerated side characters to come to life. NEYT’s Senior Company of actors will perform having received special mask workshop instruction from Elena Day, Head of Physical Theater at New England Center for Circus Arts. Costume design by lead costumer Sandy Klein in collaboration with returning NEYT alum Phoebe Martel, and lights and sound by the masterful Francesca Bourgault.

With haunting harmonies and equal helpings of laughter, tension, and heartfelt emotion, The Caucasian Chalk Circle is sure to be an absolutely mesmerizing evening of theater. “Terrible is the temptation to do good!”

Tickets are on sale now at neyt.org/caucasian-chalk-circle
$15/$17/$20

Four Performances
April 10th at 7pm
April 11th at 2pm and 7pm
April 12th at 2pm

New England Youth Theatre is located at 100 Flat Street in Brattleboro, VT for more info about NEYT visit neyt.org or call 802.246.6398

Thank you to our 2025/2026 Season Sponsors: The Bear Bookshop, Southern Vermont Solar, C&S Wholesale Grocers, Farnum Insulators,Sam’s Outdoor Outfitters, and Stripe-It-Seal-It