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Oxford Playhouse Adult Company brings The Caucasian Chalk Circle to the Main Stage

1 Jul 2025

News Story

Rehearsals are well underway for the sold-out run of Oxford Playhouse Adult Company's production of The Caucasian Chalk Circle, which marks their debut on the Main Stage.

The dynamic group of community members, all aged 26 and over, will present Bertolt Brecht’s play on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 July.

Adapted by Alistair Beaton from Brecht’s 1944 original, this compelling version of the timeless classic explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the pursuit of justice.

Two actors are standing during rehearsals. One actor is reading a book while the other is leaning over looking at the book cover with an acknowledging expression on her face.
Credit: Craig Fuller

Set against the backdrop of war and political turmoil, The Caucasian Chalk Circle follows a servant girl who rescues an abandoned child in the final days of a continental conflict. Her journey culminates in a dramatic courtroom scene, where the question of who truly deserves to be the child’s mother takes centre stage.

In this stripped-down adaptation of Brecht’s classic, the Adult Company invites audiences to sit forward and think as they showcase the playwright’s Epic Theatre style, set against the bare bones of the theatre, all within a purpose-built studio setting on the Main Stage.

A group of actors with members of Oxford Playhouse staff during a rehearsal break. The actors are smiling, talking or laughing to one another.
Credit: Craig Fuller

The production is directed by Emma Webb (Co-director of Oxford People’s Theatre), who said:
“I’m so excited to be bringing this brilliant company to the Main Stage! They so deserve it and are working so hard to fill the space with their infectious enthusiasm, humour and joy. And they are doing this all within a complex and detailed play. “

This Oxford Playhouse production includes a full in-house creative team, formed by Emma Webb (Director), Lucy Findlay (Assistant Director), Leah O’Grady and Caitlin Kirby (Co-Producers), Ashley Bale (Technical Director), Immy Howard (Costume & Set Designer), Tang Jackson (Stage Manager), Will Hayman (Lighting Designer), and Gus Van Spyk (Sound Designer).

Image gallery

  • A group of actors looking attentively towards the other group of actors behind the camera. Some actors are smiling, others have soft expressions on their faces.
  • An actor is sat down during rehearsals for The Caucasian Chalk Circle with a booklet in his hands. He looks onwards to another actor smiling. The other two actors are standing with their arms slightly raised, slightly obscured.
  • An actor is standing in the background with a baby in her arms as she looks towards another actor.
  • A group of actors standing looking at the actor standing immediately in front of the camera with looks of shock or surprise.
  • A group of actors looking attentively towards the other group of actors behind the camera. Some actors are smiling, others have soft expressions on their faces.
  • An actor is sat down during rehearsals for The Caucasian Chalk Circle with a booklet in his hands. He looks onwards to another actor smiling. The other two actors are standing with their arms slightly raised, slightly obscured.
  • An actor is standing in the background with a baby in her arms as she looks towards another actor.
  • A group of actors standing looking at the actor standing immediately in front of the camera with looks of shock or surprise.

The Caucasian Chalk Circle

Find out more about The Caucasian Chalk Circle and our Oxford Playhouse Adult Company here:

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