

The Caucasian Chalk Circle (Bentley, trans.)
Eric Bentley
What readers are saying
Readers appreciate the depth and complexity of Brecht's play, often highlighting its themes of justice and morality. Many enjoy the clever writing and the engaging performance aspects, finding it both entertaining and thought-provoking. Some readers note that the play's structure can be challenging, but overall, it is seen as a rich literary work that offers valuable lessons and reflections on society.
Written in exile during the Second World War, the story of Brecht's classic play subverts an ancient Chinese tale - echoed in the Judgement of Solomon - in which two women claim the same child.
The message of Brecht's parable is that resources should go to those who will make best use of them.
Thanks to the rascally judge, Azdak, one of Brecht's most vivid creations, this story has a happy outcome: the child is entrusted to the peasant Grusha, who has loved and nurtured it.
Published in Methuen Drama's Modern Classics series, this edition features an extensive introduction, Brecht's own notes on the play and a full appendix of textual variants.
It is the standard critical edition of the work in an acclaimed translation by James and Tania Stern with W. H. Auden.
The Caucasian Chalk Circle
The Caucasian Chalk Circle is a German play written by Bertolt Brecht and published by Methuen in London (2009).
Digital editions available on Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, Google Play (eISBN 9781408176818).
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