Just this past weekend, I had the pleasure in attending UBC Theatre’s production, The Caucasian Chalk Circle by Bertolt Brecht. A German modernist play, performed by UBC’S very own students was a huge success. I was incredibly impressed by each and every cast member and blown away by their talents in singing, acting, dancing, music making, and natural re-enactments of sound effects! I applauded the cast and crew for successfully achieving the playwriter’s (Brecht) goal in alienating the audience. The use of the storyteller narration and juxtaposing musical features made me feel “so close yet so far from the play” due to the portrayal of the “epic theatre” genre Brecht is known for.
The play was in an intimate setting in the Chan Centre, where the audience are seated in five different levels surrounding the actors. My favourite part of the show was the natural re-enactment of sound effects such as the haunted chants, water sounds, and the effective use of instruments to illustrate the mood of the scene. I seriously felt like I was in a theatre with surround system, except it was even better than HD because it was real!
To the UBC Theatre Department, I would like to express my sincere thank-you for inviting me to witness your success. I must say if you have curtains at your show – you would have broken many, many legs.
I absolutely look forward to our upcoming productions in which I highly recommend many students to attend! Student prices are just $10! I repeat $10!!! Come on, that is even cheaper than the cost of a movie ticket and you are watching this LIVE.
UBC students don’t miss out on another production by UBC’s Theatre Department. Get your tickets here: http://ubctheatre.universitytickets.com/user_pages/event_listings.asp
Pride and Prejudice: November 14th -30th
The Seagull: January 23rd – February 8th
Seeds: January 22nd – 26th
Ubi Roi: March 20th – April 5th
Once again, A BIG congratulations to the cast and crew of The Caucasian Chalk Circle. I can’t wait for the upcoming productions.
Signing out!
Vivian Cheng
Photo credits: UBC Theatre Department