The Caucasian Chalk Circle
By Bertolt Brecht
Habima National Theatre, Tel Aviv, Israel
2025
A visually breathtaking production combining sand art and powerful original music.
In the turbulent days of a violent, bloody coup, the ruling elite flee, leaving behind a helpless infant — the son of the deposed governor.
Grusha, a humble kitchen maid, discovers the child and, in an act of courageous compassion, chooses to save him and escape to safety.
When the winds of war finally subside, Grusha’s kindness is put to the ultimate test. The governor’s wife returns and demands the child back, claiming her maternal right.
Grusha and the mother are summoned before the judge Azdak, who must decide:
To whom does the child truly belong — the woman who gave him life, or the one who saved it?
A powerful stage adaptation of the masterpiece by Bertolt Brecht.
CREDITS
Translation: Eli Bijaoui
Directed by: Noam Shmuel
Music: Tal Blecharovitch
Movement: Tal Kohn
Set Design: Michael Kramenko
Costume Design: Aviah Bash
Lighting Design: Nadav Barnea
Sand Art Guide: Shelly Ben Nun
Speech: Anat Zamsh-Rigel
Puppetry: Gili Bet Halachmi
AD: Ruti Geffen
Soundtrack Design: Ariel Mukmel
Stage Manager: Lin Volroz, Shiran Maoz
CAST
Joy Rieger
Norman Issa
Maya Maoz
Tomer Machluf
Lior Zohar
Ishay Ben Moshe
Alex Krul
Oshrat Ingadashet
Ilay Almani
Michal Atlas
Oded Leopold
Shachar Raz
Maya Madjar
Nir Zelichovski
Itay Turnroder
Amit Gilboa / Jimmy Mandil
Yuval Erel, Yuval Erel’s Blog:
“In this version, the power of the text, the beauty of the parable, and the fundamental human message that continues to ask who owns what, and who truly deserves it, are all preserved. Shmuel’s direction gives the story its rhythm and tone, and succeeds in bringing out the full human depth of the text by Brecht and Bijaoui.”
Vesti Newspaper:
“Joy Rieger, as Grusha, lives a full life on stage before the audience’s eyes: she transforms from simple and open-hearted to determined and steadfast. Norman Issa delivers one of his finest performances here. The character of the judge is a simple man with somewhat coarse humor and a clear enjoyment of his role. Noam Shmuel can be congratulated on a successful debut at Habima – the production proves that the theater’s management made the right choice.”
Complimentary:
“There are few moments when my breath is physically taken away by the splendor of a theatrical creation... But every now and then, a production comes along that causes even me to lose my breath and remain speechless for days afterward. Among those productions – the very best of the best – is one in which all the elements that compose it come together into a whole that is nothing short of perfection... This is an unforgettable theatrical event. Bravo.”
Aya Hayut, Yedioth Ahronoth:
“An enjoyable and distinctive production that succeeds in both entertaining and provoking thought. Joy Rieger, in the role of Grusha, manages to be at once childlike and determined, powerful and funny – a character it is easy to identify with, and also to admire.”
Haaretz:
“Joy Rieger is very natural on stage, conveying the character’s simplicity in a beautiful and moving way, as well as the nobility of Grusha and her fundamental kindness. Maya Maoz is convincing and powerful as the governor’s materialistic and cold wife, who looks down on the people. Eli Bijaoui, who also translated and adapted the songs, occasionally incorporates local references that prompt the audience to laugh.”
© 2026 by Noam Shmuel.