PUPILS at Hanley Castle High School are preparing for an African-themed adaptation of Bertolt Brecht's The Caucasian Chalk Circle.

The production is inspired by the sounds and rhythms of Africa and pays homage to its cultural diversity.

Brecht's original masterpiece was written in America in 1948, after his flight from Nazi Germany, and is considered one of the greatest plays of the 20th Century.

The story of lands and revolutions, marriages and mountain ranges, peasantry and pomposity and an infant abandoned and rescued is staged by the young actors and directed in part by A'Level theatre studies students.

Through workshops in African music and dance, pupils and staff have put together a fusion of melody and movement aimed at creating a new show, while remaining true to the original play.

Staff and pupil will perform an original score, blending upbeat tempos with African melodies to accompany the actors. Energetic dance sequences and multimedia backdrop projections complete a colourful picture.

The 40-strong cast of GCSE and A'Level dance, drama and music students will perform on a specially-created carousel stage from Monday to Thursday, February 9 to 12. For tickets, call 01684 593241.

On Monday afternoon, a free matinee will be performed for more than 230 children from local primary schools.