Following last summer’s acclaimed premiere of Strange Mating Calls, Nervous Theatre presents a radically reimagined production of Bertolt Brecht’s urgent political fable. A multitude of colorful characters are played by only four actors as the story of Chalk Circle unfolds throughout the unique spaces of the Tinworks Art warehouse.

In the outbreak of war, a mother abandons her son. Grusha, a kitchen maid, rescues the child and embarks on a perilous journey. “Terrible is the temptation to be good…”

Brecht’s intensely political and deeply human story exposes the destructive power of ownership, as well as the arbitrary nature of justice. The play asks, “how do we decide who is best fit to care for the lands we inhabit?”

Director Connor Berkompas says of the production, “Nervous Theatre is redirecting this essential question to the Bozeman community in a playful, bold, and engaging new adaptation. Our production brings the audience directly into the conversation from the moment they enter the space.”

“You’ll never see Brecht done like this anywhere else,” says Danielle N. Sather, who plays Grusha. “Creating Nervous Theatre’s adaptation has been collaborative, intentionally spontaneous, and includes lots of cardio.”

The Caucasian Chalk Circle is directed by Berkompas and created in collaboration with the company, which includes Danielle N. Sather, Isabel Shaida, Gabriel Taurman and Sympathie the Clown. 

Nervous Theatre is a nomadic theatrical collective currently based in Bozeman, Montana. The group recently premiered Strange Mating Calls, an experiential performance presented at the Tinworks Art 2021 exhibition. Previous works include the theatre/film hybrid MOMMY’S DEAD AND THEY BURIED HER IN MOSCOW (a riff on Three Sisters) and a touring production of The Maids. More information can be found at nervoustheatre.com

The Caucasian Chalk Circle runs July 14, 15 and 16 at Tinworks Art, 719 N Ida Ave. in Bozeman. The production will also play at The Westside Theater in Missoula August 5 and 6.

Performances start at 7:30pm.. Doors open at 7pm.  Please note: Throughout the performance, patrons will be asked to move to and from different spaces. Nervous Theatre aims to make this immersive event as accessible as possible. Please reach out to info@nervoustheatre.com with any concerns regarding mobility. There will be no late seating due to the immersive nature of the staging. Run time: 90 minutes. Tickets are $18 and may be purchased online or at the door (cash only). 

To purchase tickets online for the Bozeman performances, visit https://chalk-circle.eventbrite.com 

To learn more, visit nervoustheatre.com