THE Caucasian Chalk Circle, a politically charged and much-revived example of Brecht’s epic theatre, will be performed “in the round” in Colwall, in June.

In a mythical, war torn city, the Governor’s wife leaves her baby behind as she flees arrest. A naive young serving girl rescues him and is left, literally, holding the royal baby, loving him as her son. Later, when the war is over, the real mother returns to claim him.

Only a drunken village clerk, appointed accidently as Chief Justice, and the serving girl’s own ill-educated tongue can save the child. Will it be enough?

A spokesman said: "Written during the Second World War, the play was first performed in 1948. A morality masterpiece, the play powerfully demonstrates Brecht's pioneering theatrical techniques, and also draws on techniques of both the Oriental and the Elizabethan theatre. "And yet, this is often described as Brecht’s most cheerful and charming play, and, unusually for Brecht, the play has a happy ending."

The spokesman added: "Brecht was a revolutionary who changed modern thinking towards theatre. He wrote The Caucasian Chalk Circle whilst in exile in America, allegedly, in answer to the problem of reconstructing Germany after Hitler. The play contains big themes – conflict and the strength of love and human feeling – that are as relevant today, as they were in 1945."

The Colwall Players recently ran a highly successful series of workshops where members and non-members, old hands and complete newcomers joined together to learn more about theatre techniques, both on stage and back stage. Many of those workshop participants will contribute to this and future productions.

Bertolt Brecht’,s The Caucasian Chalk Circle, will be performed by the Colwall Players in the Village Hall, Mill Lane, Colwall from June 2 to June 4.

Tickets from John Goodwin’s Colwall office, on 01684 540300.