The Caucasian Chalk Circle

The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness) by Bertolt Brecht, translated by Frank McGuinness

Characters

Prologue PEASANT WOMAN OLD MAN GIRL TRACTOR DRIVER EXPERT WOUNDED SOLDIER TRACTOR WOMAN OLD PEASANT OLD MAN SOLDIER KATO PEASANT WOMAN YOUNG WORKER SINGER (ARKADI TSHEIDZE) VILLAGERS

1 The Mighty Child MUSICIANS BEGGARS/PETITIONERS SOLDIER FAT PRINCE GOVERNOR WIFE (NATELLA) FIRST DOCTOR SECOND DOCTOR ADJUTANT SIMON GRUSHA BABY MICHAEL ARCHITECTS ARMOURED RIDERS SERVANTS YOUNG WOMAN NANNY SECOND WOMAN

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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COOK GROOM FAT WOMAN

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THIRD WOMAN SOLDIERS/CROWD

2 The Flight into the Northern Mountains OLD MAN INNKEEPER OLDER LADY YOUNGER LADY HOUSE SERVANT CORPORAL SOLDIERS PEASANT WOMAN PEASANT FIRST MAN MERCHANT WOMAN SECOND MAN

3 In the Northern Mountains LAVRENTI ANIKO STABLEMAN MOTHER MONK JESSUP FIRST WOMAN SECOND WOMAN MAN PEASANT MUSICIANS GUESTS SOLDIERS

4 The Story Of the Judge AZDAK REFUGEE SHAUVA MOB

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FIRST SOLDIER SECOND SOLDIER NEPHEW THIRD SOLDIER

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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LANDLORD LUDOVICA STABLE LAD OLD PEASANT WOMAN FIRST FARMER SECOND FARMER THIRD FARMER VILLAGERS IRAKLI THE BANDIT FIRST LAWYER SECOND LAWYER

5 The Chalk Circle IRONMEN SOLDIER OTHER SOLDIER RIDER OLD WOMAN OLD MAN Copyright © Der kaukasische Kreidekreis 1955. Große kommentierte Berliner und Frankfurter Ausgabe 30 Bände, Suhrkamp Verlag, Frankfurt am Main. Translation copyright © 2007 by Brecht Heirs. Frank McGuinness has asserted his right to be identified as the translator of this work. Enquire about performing rights in the USA and Canada at: Fitelson, Lasky, Aslan and Couture, 551 Fifth Avenue, New York NY 10176-0078, USA Enquire about performing rights for professional performances throughout the World excluding the USA and Canada at: Alan Brodie Representation Ltd, Paddock Suite, The Courtyard, 55 Charterhouse Street, London EC1M 6HA [http://www.alanbrodie.com] Enquire about performing rights for amateur performances throughout the World excluding the USA and Canada at: Samuel French Ltd, 52 Fitzroy Street, London W1P 6JR [https://samuelfrench-london.co.uk] All rights whatsoever in this play are strictly reserved and application for performance etc. should be made before rehearsals to the performance rights holder. No performance may be given unless a licence has been obtained. No rights in incidental music or songs contained in the Work are hereby granted and performance rights for any performance/presentation whatsoever must be obtained from the respective copyright owners. All materials on this Website are the copyright of the publishers or are reproduced with permission from other copyright owners. All rights are reserved. The materials on this website may be accessed solely for personal use. No materials may otherwise be copied, modified, published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without prior written permission of the publisher.

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness) by Bertolt Brecht, translated by Frank McGuinness

Summer 1945. Among the ruins of a Caucasian village, the members of two collective farms. Peasant Woman (left) We stopped three Nazi tanks there in the hills, but the orchard was destroyed. Old Man (right) Our lovely dairy – in ruins. Girl Tractor Driver (left) I put the match to it myself, comrade. There is a pause. Expert I'll give you the report now. As Hitler's armies advanced, they drove this kolchos and its herds to the east. They now want to resettle in their valley. They have examined the village and made note of the savage degree of destruction. Now this valley grew little grass. Their neighbours, the Rosa Luxemburg kolchos, propose that these lands be handed over to them. They will replant these pastures with fruit and vineyards. As an expert from the Reconstruction Commission, I ask both sides that they decide together, should the lands be replanted or should they come back to the valley? Old Man (right) First of all I want to complain that the time for discussing this has been cut short. We've spent three days and nights getting here. Now we have to decide this in half a day. Wounded Soldier (left) Comrades, we don't have as many villages now, there's not as many hands working. We no longer have so much time. Tractor Woman We have to ration all pleasures. Tobacco's rationed, so is wine, and talk has to be rationed too. The Old Man (right) sighs. Old Man (right) Hell's gates to the Fascists. I'll come to the point and tell you exactly why we want our valley back. There's a whole pack of reasons, but I'll start with the simplest. Makina Abakidze, get out the goat's cheese.

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A Peasant Woman, right, takes out a large cheese, wrapped in cloth, from a large basket. There is laughter and applause. Old Man (right) Get stuck in, comrades, have a feed. Old Peasant (left) Is this your way of offering some kind of bribe? There is laughter. Old Man (right) How could it be called a bribe? We know you're going to take the cheese and the valley as well. There is laughter.

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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Old Man (right) I'm only asking you for an honest answer. Do you like this cheese? Old Man (left) The answer is, yes. Old Man (right) Is that so? (He adds bitterly:) I should have guessed you'd know damn all about cheese. Old Man (left) Why not, when I'm telling you it tastes grand. Old Man (right) Because it tastes like nothing. Because it's not what it was like in the old days. Why is that so? Because our goats don't like the new grass as much as they liked the old. Cheese isn't cheese since the grass isn't grass. That's it exactly. Put it in the report, please. Old Man (left) But your cheese tastes great. Old Man (right) It's not great, it's barely edible. The new pasture's good for nothing, no matter what the young people say. I say we can't settle there. Even the morning doesn't smell like the morning in that place. Some laugh. 9 Expert Don't upset yourself because they're laughing. They still understand you. Comrades, why do we love our homeland? For this reason. The bread tastes better there, the sky is higher, the air is more sweet, voices sound stronger, and the earth is easier to walk on. Isn't that so? Old Man (right) But this valley has always belonged to us. Wounded Soldier What do you mean by 'always'? Nothing's belonged to anyone always. When you were a young man, you didn't even belong to yourself. You belonged to the princes of Kazbeki. Old Man (right) The valley belongs to us, according to the law. Tractor Woman Look, the law has to be examined to see if it still stands up. Old Man (right) I do know that. But is it all the same then what kind of tree stood outside the house where you gave birth? What kind of neighbours you have, is that all the same? Old Man (left) Why don't you just listen quietly to what your 'neighbour' Kato Wachtang has to say about the valley? She's our agronomist. Peasant Woman We haven't finished what we have to say about the valley, not by a long chalk. Not all the houses are destroyed and the foundations of the dairy are at least still standing. Expert Don't get angry. You know that you can call on state support, here and elsewhere. I suggest that you lay out your plans for the valley under dispute before the comrades here. Soldier Kato Last winter, comrade, we were fighting here in the hills as partisans, we spoke about how we'd increase our fruit plantations ten times bigger after we rid ourselves of the Germans. I have worked out an irrigation project. By building a dam on our mountain lake, three hundred hectares of barren land could be watered. Then our kolchos could grow not only fruit, but make wine as well. Yet the project is only worth doing if it includes the valley that's under dispute. Here are the plans.

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She hands the Expert a briefcase. Old Man (right) Our kolchos has plans for a new stud farm – write that in the report. Tractor Woman During the days and nights we had to shelter in the mountains, with no bullets left for the few rifles we had, that's when this project was drawn up, comrades. Even finding a pencil was difficult.

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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Both sides applaud. Old Man (right) We thank our comrades who defended this valley, and we thank all who fought to defend our homeland. They shake and embrace. Peasant Woman (left) All we thought about was that our soldiers, our men and yours too, should return to an even more prosperous homeland. Tractor Woman The poet Mayakovsky's said it, 'The homeland of the Soviet People should be the homeland of Reason as well.' With the exception of the Old Man, the delegates on the right have stood up and begun to study the agronomist's drawings, together with the Expert. Expert The rocks here need to be blown up. All they'll need will be cement and dynamite and they'll force the water to come down here. A Young Worker (right) says to the Old Man (right): Young Worker Alleko, take a look, they're going to water all the fields between the hills. Old Man (right) I will not look at it. I knew that project would be good. I won't have a pistol pointed at my head. Wounded Soldier They only want to point a pencil at your head. 11 Expert What will I put in my report? Can I write that you are in favour of the transfer of your old valley for the project? Peasant Woman (right) I'll support it. What about you, Alleko? Old Man (right) I move you give us copies of these drawings. Peasant Woman (right) Then we can sit down and eat. Once he has the drawings and can discuss them, then it will all be settled. I know him, and the rest of us will do the same. Peasant Woman (left) Comrades, in honour of your visit and of the Expert, we plan to show a play that has some connection with our problem. The singer Arkadi Tsheidze is in it. There is applause. The Tractor Woman has gone off to fetch the Singer. Peasant Woman (right) Comrades, your play had better be good. We're paying a valley for it. Peasant Woman (left) Arkadi Tsheidze knows twenty-one thousand verses. Old Man (left) You and the Reconstruction Commission should make sure he comes north more often, comrade. Expert We're more busy managing the economy. The Old Man smiles. Old Man (left) You're rearranging the supply of vineyards and tractors. Why don't you turn your hand to songs as well? Led by the Girl, the Singer (Arkadi Tsheidze), enters the circle. He is a robust man of simple manners. Musicians with their instruments come with him.

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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The artists are greeted with applause. Tractor Woman Arkadi, this comrade is the Expert from the Reconstruction Commission. 12 The Singer greets those about him. Peasant Woman (right) I'm honoured to make your acquaintance. Since I was at school I've heard about your songs. Singer It's a play with songs this time. We've brought along the old masks. Old Man (right) Is it one of the stories from long ago? Singer Very long ago. It's called The Chalk Circle, and it started out first with the Chinese. We've changed it as we went along into another version. Yura, show the masks. Comrades, it's a great honour for us to entertain you after a tough debate. We hope you find that an old poet's voice sounds well even in the shadow of a Soviet tractor. It might be wrong to mix different wines, but old and new wisdom mix very well. Expert I've got to get back to Tiblisi by today. How long will the story last, Arkadi? Singer (replies casually) It's really two stories. A couple of hours. Expert (asks very confidentially) Couldn't you shorten it? Singer No. Copyright © Der kaukasische Kreidekreis 1955. Große kommentierte Berliner und Frankfurter Ausgabe 30 Bände, Suhrkamp Verlag, Frankfurt am Main. Translation copyright © 2007 by Brecht Heirs. Frank McGuinness has asserted his right to be identified as the translator of this work. Enquire about performing rights in the USA and Canada at: Fitelson, Lasky, Aslan and Couture, 551 Fifth Avenue, New York NY 10176-0078, USA Enquire about performing rights for professional performances throughout the World excluding the USA and Canada at: Alan Brodie Representation Ltd, Paddock Suite, The Courtyard, 55 Charterhouse Street, London EC1M 6HA [http://www.alanbrodie.com] Enquire about performing rights for amateur performances throughout the World excluding the USA and Canada at: Samuel French Ltd, 52 Fitzroy Street, London W1P 6JR [https://samuelfrench-london.co.uk] All rights whatsoever in this play are strictly reserved and application for performance etc. should be made before rehearsals to the performance rights holder. No performance may be given unless a licence has been obtained. No rights in incidental music or songs contained in the Work are hereby granted and performance rights for any performance/presentation whatsoever must be obtained from the respective copyright owners. All materials on this Website are the copyright of the publishers or are reproduced with permission from other copyright owners. All rights are reserved. The materials on this website may be accessed solely for personal use. No materials may otherwise be copied, modified, published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without prior written permission of the publisher.

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness) by Bertolt Brecht, translated by Frank McGuinness

Scene 1 The Mighty Child The Singer sits on the ground before the Musicians. About the shoulders of the Singer there is a black sheepskin cloak. There is a small battered script, with bit of paper. Singer Times gone by, when the streets were blood When this town was like a living hell, Who ruled? A governor, Georgi Abashvili. Rich as Croesus, A lovely wife, a healthy child, That was him – no governor in Georgia Had so many horses And the tinkers thronged his doorways, So many soldiers served Him, all sought his favour – So how do I do him justice This Georgi Abashvili? Life was one long pleasure, There he wanders off to church, On Easter Sunday morning his wish Was his command, he was fit to burst, Him and all belonging to that holy family. From the palace archway Beggars and those seeking favours surge holding up petitions, crutches, thin children. Two armoured Soldiers. They attend the Governor's family, dressed in finery. Beggars / Petitioners Full of grace, show grace – Your taxes are killing us – My leg – in the Persian War – Full of grace, my brother – I lost it – where can I get – An innocent man – He's dying of hunger – It was all down to a misunderstanding – We have one son left – The water is sour – Grace, full of grace – Don't send him to the war – I beg you –

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A Servant collects the petitions. Another Servant hands out coins from a purse. The Soldiers push the Crowd back, beating it with heavy leather whips. Soldier Get back. Make room. Let them enter the church door. The Governor, his Wife and the Adjutant are followed by the Governor's child. He is wheeled through the archway in a fancy pram.

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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The Crowd pushes forward to see it. While the Crowd is being beaten back, the Singer continues. Singer It's Easter, and for the first time, the people saw the son and heir. Crowd The boy! The boy! Singer Two doctors danced attendance on that mighty child, the apple of his father the Governor's eye. Here he comes, Prince Kazbecki, In all his grandeur, He stands before the mighty child, Even he pays his respects. A Fat Prince enters and greets the family. Fat Prince Happy Easter, Natella Abashvili. We hear a command, and a Rider bursts in. Covered in dust, he holds out a roll of papers to the Governor. At a nod from the Governor, a handsome young man, the Adjutant, goes to the Rider and holds him back. During a short pause the Fat Prince eyes the Rider with distrust. Fat Prince What a day! Since the heavens opened last night I presumed the feast day would be gloomy, but this morning, a blue sky. Natella Abashavili, I love blue skies. I have a simple heart. And little Michael, quite the Governor. Tickle-tickle.

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He tickles the child. Happy Easter, little Michael, tickle-tickle. Wife Now, Arsen, what do you say to Georgi finally deciding to begin building the new wing on the east side? We'll be rid of those stinking slums, they're going to be torn down for the gardens. Fat Prince Good news at last, after so much bad. Any word about the war, Brother Georgi? The Governor makes a 'leave it aside' gesture. Fat Prince A strategic withdrawal, I hear. Well, they do happen, these tiny reversals. Some you win, some you lose. That's the game of war, eh? It means little, doesn't it? Wife He's coughing, Georgi, do you hear? She speaks sharply to two Doctors, worthy men who stand close by the pram. Wife He's coughing. The First Doctor addresses the Second Doctor. First Doctor Niko Mikadze, I beg to remind you I was set against the lukewarm bath. Your Graces, a slight oversight in the regulation of the bathwater's temperature. The Second Doctor is likewise very polite. Second Doctor Mikha Loladze, I cannot agree with you. The bathwater temperature is exactly that prescribed by our great beloved Mishiko Oboladze. Your Graces, it is much more likely to have been a draught during the night.

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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Wife So, look after him then. Georgi, he seems to be feverish. The First Doctor stands over the child. First Doctor Your Graces, no cause for alarm. The bathwater a little warmer, and it won't happen again. 16 The Second Doctor shoots a poisonous look at him. Second Doctor Dear Mikha Loladze, I shall remember that. Your Graces, no cause for alarm. Fat Prince So, so, so, so. I always say: a twinge in my liver, give the doctor fifty lashes on the soles of his feet. That's only because the age we live in has grown soft. There was a time when we would have simply chopped his head off. Wife Let's get into the church, there's probably a draught here. The train, consisting of the family and its staff, turns into the doorway of the church. The Fat Prince follows. The Adjutant steps out of the train and points to the Rider. Governor Not before the service, Shalva. The Adjutant speaks to the Rider. Adjutant The Governor doesn't want to be bothered by letters before the service, particularly if it's depressing news, as I take it it must be. Go get something to eat. The Adjutant rejoins the train. The Rider goes with a curse in through the palace gate. Simon, a soldier, leaves the palace and stands in the gateway. Singer The town is still. The pigeons preen themselves in the city square. A soldier of the palace guard Jokes with a servant girl Who comes with a bundle up from the river. In the gateway, a girl, Grusha Vachnadze, a bundle of large green leaves under her arm, tries to pass. Simon What, is the young lady not at church? Is she skipping the service? 17 Grusha I was dressed and ready, then we were a goose short for the Easter feast, so they asked me to fetch one. I know something about geese. Simon A goose? He pretends not to trust her. I'd better see this goose first. She does not understand. You have to be careful with women. They can tell you, 'I only went for a goose,' and then it turns into something rather different.

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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Grusha goes resolutely up to him and shows him the goose. Grusha There you go. If that is not a fifteen-pound goose that they've filled with corn, then I'll stuff myself with its feathers! Simon A queen of a goose. It will be eaten by the Governor himself. And has the young lady been down to the river another time? Grusha Yes, by the poultry farm. Simon Oh yes, by the poultry farm, down the stream – and not further up by certain willows? Some particular willows? Grusha I'm only near the willows when I wash the linen. Simon Exactly. Grusha Exactly what? He winks. Simon Exactly that. Grusha Why shouldn't I wash the linen by the willows? He laughs exaggeratedly. Simon 'Why shouldn't I wash the linen by the willows?' Good one, a very good one. 18 Grusha Mr Soldier, I don't follow you. What is good about it? Simon answers her craftily. Simon If someone knew what someone knows, She would blush to her very toes. Grusha I don't know what's to be known about those particular willows. Simon But say there's a bush from which everything can be seen there? Everything that might happen there when someone washes the linen? Grusha What happens there? Will Mr Soldier not say what he means and have done with it? Simon Something happens there and maybe something's seen. Grusha Does Mr Soldier mean that on a warm day I stick my toes into the water? For it's nothing more. Simon Yes, more. Toes and more. Grusha What more? The foot at most. Simon The foot, and a bit more. He laughs a lot. Grusha is angry. Grusha You should be ashamed of yourself, Simon Chachava. Sitting behind a bush on a warm day, watching for someone to put their legs into the river. Probably with a gang of other soldiers. She runs away and he calls after her.

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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Simon No – no others. He runs after Grusha as the Singer continues his story. 19 Singer The town is still, But why are there armed men? The Governor's palace is at peace, But why has it turned into a fortress? The Fat Prince enters quickly from the gateway. He stands still looking about him. To the right two armoured Riders wait. The Fat Prince sees them and goes slowly past giving them a sign. He then goes off quickly. One of the armoured Riders goes through a gateway into the palace. The other one remains behind as a guard. Muffled cries are heard from various directions, 'To your posts'. The palace is surrounded. Church bells are heard in the distance. The train of the Governor's family comes out of the gateway, back from the church. Singer Then the Governor was going back to his palace Then was the fortress a trap Then was the goose plucked and roasted Then the goose fed nobody's face Then midday was no time to eat Then midday was the time to die. The Governor's Wife says in passing: Wife It's utterly impossible to live in this slum, but of course Georgi is only building for little Michael, not for me, not at all. Michael is everything! Everything for Michael. Governor So 'Happy Easter' from Brother Kazbeki, did you hear that? Very nice, but as far as I know it didn't rain here in Nukha last night. It was raining though where Brother Kazbeki spent the night. Where was he? 20 Adjutant We must investigate. Governor Yes, straight away. Tomorrow. The train turns into the gateway. The Rider who has come out of the palace approaches the Governor. Adjutant Excellency, will you not hear the messenger from the capital? He arrived this morning with confidential papers. The Governor goes on. Governor Not before eating, Shalva. As the train disappears into the palace, only two armoured Riders remain behind the gate. The Adjutant speaks to the Rider.

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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Adjutant The Governor does not want you to bother him before he eats. And His Excellency will devote the afternoon to discussions with some eminent architects. Here they are now. Three Architects come in. The Rider goes off as the Adjutant greets the Architects. Adjutant Gentlemen, His Excellency is expecting you at the meal. He will dedicate his entire time to you. What great new plans? Architects We're quite amazed that His Excellency is thinking of building in the face of the terrible rumour of a bad turn in the Persian War. Adjutant We say, build because of the war. It means nothing. Persia is far away. The garrison here would let itself be torn to pieces for the Governor's safety. Noise comes out from the palace. There is a shrill cry of a woman. Commands are shouted. Thunderstruck, the Adjutant goes up to the gateway. An armoured Rider comes out, pointing a lance at him. 21 Adjutant What is going on here? Put down those spears, you dogs. He looks furiously to the palace guards. Disarm him. They're attacking the Governor, don't you see that? The armoured Riders do not obey. They look coldly at the Adjutant with no interest. They follow the rest of the proceedings without taking part. The Adjutant fights his way into the palace. Architects The princes! Last night in the capital there was a gathering of the princes who are against the Grand Duke and his governors. It's time to leg it. The Architects go off quickly. Singer Oh the blindness of the strong! They walk like popes Tramping over necks that are bowed. They believe in their power, That has lasted on so long, But a long time is not for ever. Times change, and change is hope. The Governor comes out of the gateway, in chains, his face grey, between two Soldiers who are armed to the teeth. Singer Well, great man, keep your head up high. Your enemies followed you with their many eyes. No more mighty builders for you, Now a poor carpenter will have to do. Forget all about a fine new mansion, A hole in the ground is your destination. Take one last look about you, blind man, Do you see where you stood and where you now stand? The prisoner looks about him. 22

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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Singer Between Easter Mass and the Easter feed You'll turn into dust and rock and seed. The Governor is led off and the palace guard follows. A trumpet alarm sounds. There is a noise behind the gateway. Singer The house of a great man fails and maims The unlucky, unfortunate, unnamed – The beasts of burden who sweat for the rich Are dragged with the coach falling into the ditch. Servants come running out of the gateway in pairs, shouting to one another. Servants The hampers – Food for five days – Her ladyship has fainted – What about us? They'll wring our necks like chickens – Jesus, Mary, what's going to happen – They say in the town the blood's flowing already – No, this is all nonsense, the Governor has simply been asked if he would consent to appear before the prince, I have that on the highest authority. The two Doctors rush into the courtyard. The First Doctor tries to hold the other back. First Doctor Niko Mikadze, you must attend on Natella Abashvili, as a doctor it is your duty. Second Doctor My duty? It's yours. First Doctor Niko Mikadze, who has the child today, me or you? Second Doctor Mikha Loladze, do you really think I'll stay one minute more in a cursed house because of that brat? 23 They break into a fight with shouts of 'You're abandoning your duty' and 'Damn duty'. The Second Doctor knocks the First Doctor down. Second Doctor Now, go to hell. He goes. Servants The soldiers! Have they mutinied? Does nobody know what has happened? Yesterday in the capital some said that the Persian War is totally lost – The princes are leading a big rebellion – They say the Grand Duke's fled into hiding, all his governors are going to be hanged. Simon enters and looks for Grusha in the crowd. The Adjutant appears in the gateway. Adjutant Everybody help with the packing. He drives the Servants away.

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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Simon finally sees Grusha. Simon Grusha, it's you. What are you going to do? Grusha Nothing. If the worst is to happen, I have a brother with a farm up the mountains. But what about you? Simon Nothing's wrong with me. He grows formal again. Grusha Vachnadze, your concern fills me with pleasure. I have been commanded to accompany Lady Natella Abashvili as her guard. Grusha But the palace guards have mutinied. Simon They have, yes. Grusha Isn't it dangerous to accompany that lady? 24 Simon In Tiblisi they say, 'Is the stabbing dangerous for the knife?' Grusha You are not a knife. You're a man, Simon Chachava. What does that woman matter to you? Simon The woman means nothing to me, but I've been ordered, and so I ride with her. Grusha Mr Soldier is a stubborn man, he gets himself into danger for nothing, nothing, nothing. Adjutant Grusha! Someone shouts to her from inside. Grusha I have to get in there in a hurry. Simon Since we're in a hurry, we shouldn't fight – a good fight needs plenty of time. May I ask the young lady if she still has her parents? Grusha No, only a brother. Simon Since time is tight – the second question would be: is the young lady as healthy as a fish in water? Grusha I might have a pain below the right shoulder, but apart from that, fit for any work. No ones complained yet. Simon That's well known, even on Easter Sunday who fetches the goose? It's herself. Question three: is the young lady inclined to impatience? Would she be wanting cherries in winter? Grusha Impatient? No. But if somebody goes off to war for no reason and no word comes back … Simon Word will come. Adjutant Grusha! Another shout for Grusha. Simon To finish up, the big question – Grusha Simon Chachava, since I've got to get in there in a hurry, the answer is 'Yes'!

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

He grows very embarrassed.

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Simon They say that hurry is the storm that scatters the scaffolding but they also say that the rich know no hurry. I come from – Grusha Kutsk. Simon So the young lady has made enquiries? I am healthy, I have no one to care for, I get ten piastres a month, as paymaster twenty, and I ask for your hand, with my heart. Grusha That's all right with me, Simon Chachava. He fumbles for a thin chain with a cross around his neck. Simon The cross comes from my mother, Grusha Vachnadze. The chain is of silver. I ask you to wear it. Grusha Many thanks, Simon. They stand, undecided. Simon I'll accompany the lady only to the troops who've stayed loyal. When the war's over, I'll come home. Two or three weeks. I hope the time till I come back won't be too long for my betrothed. Grusha I will wait for you, Simon Chachava. Soldier, go calmly into battle, The bloody battle, the bitter battle, From which not everyone returns. I will wait for you under the green elm, I will wait for you under the bare elm, I will wait till you all come back from battle, And when you do come back from battle, No boots will stand before my door, No head will lie beside my pillow No mouth will touch mine with a kiss. When you do walk back through my door, You will whisper, sweet and low, Everything is now as it once was. 26 Simon I thank you, Grusha Vachnadze. Goodbye. He bows deeply before her, she bows as deeply before him. Then she runs away without looking back. The Adjutant comes out of the gateway and speaks harshly. Adjutant Get the nags harnessed in front of the big coach. Move yourself, you worthless scum. Simon stands to attention and goes off. Two Servants, bent under the weight of giant boxes, crawl out of the gateway. The Governor's Wife staggers after them, supported by her women. Behind her another woman carries the child. Wife No one gives a damn. I don't know if I'm coming or going. Where is Michael? Don't hold him so awkwardly. Get the boxes onto the coach. Have you heard anything from the Governor, Shalva? He shakes his head.

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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Adjutant You must get away quickly. Wife Any word from the town? Adjutant All's calm up to now, but we don't have a minute to lose. There's no room for the boxes. Take out what you need. He goes off quickly. Wife Only what I most need. Open the boxes quickly. I'll tell you what has to go with me. Boxes are set down and opened. She points to a particular brocade dress. The green, and the one with furs. Where are the doctors? I'm getting this dreadful migraine again, the one that always begins in the temples. The one with the pearl buttons. Grusha enters. 27 Wife You're taking your time, aren't you? Fetch the hot-water bottles – now. Grusha runs off, comes back with the hot-water bottles and is ordered about by the Governor's Wife, who is also watching a young chambermaid. Wife Don't tear the sleeve. Young Woman Your Grace, nothing's happened to the dress. Wife I caught you in time, that's why. I've kept my sharp eye on you for a long time. Nothing in your head but sheep's eyes for him. She points to the Adjutant, who is returning. She slaps the Young Woman. Wife You bitch, I'll kill you. Adjutant Natella Abashvili, I'm asking you to hurry. There's fighting in the town. He leaves again. She lets the Young Woman go. Wife Dear God! Will they assault me? Why would they? All remain silent. She herself begins to rummage in the boxes. Look for the little brocade jacket. Help me. What is Michael doing? Is he sleeping? Nanny Yes, Your Grace. Wife Put him down for a minute, fetch me the little Morocco boots from the bedroom. I need them to go with green. The Nanny lays down the child and runs. The Wife roars to the Young Woman. Wife Don't just stand around. The Young Woman runs away. 28 Wife Stay here, or I'll have you whipped.

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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There is a pause. Just look at the way it's packed – all thrown together – no love, no understanding – at times like these you see what you have for servants. She makes a sign with her hands. You stuff your faces with food, but you have no thanks. I'm making a note of it. The Adjutant is very excited. Adjutant Natella, come straight away. The carpet-weavers have rebelled. They've just hanged our Illo Orbeliani, the greatest judge in the country. Wife Why? The silver one, it cost a thousand piastres, I must have it. And that one and all the furs, and where is the wine-coloured one? The Adjutant tries to pull her away. Adjutant The riots have broken out. We have to go now. A Servant runs off. Adjutant Where is the child? Wife Maro! She calls to the Nanny. Wife Get the child ready. Where are you? Adjutant We can forget about the carriage now – and just ride. The Governor's Wife rummages through the clothes. She throws some on the pile to take with her, then takes them off again. Noises are heard. Drums beat. The sky begins to go red. The Governor's Wife desperately rummages. 29 Wife The wine-coloured one, I can't find it. She shrugs her shoulders to the Second Woman. Wife The whole pile of them, take them to the carriage. Why has Maro not come back? Have you all gone mad? It's at the very bottom, I told you. Adjutant Hurry! Hurry! Wife Hurry! Throw them into the carriage. Adjutant We have no carriage. Get a move on, or I'll ride alone. Wife Maro, bring the child. The Governor's Wife speaks to the Second Woman. Wife See what's happening? No, take the clothes first of all. Pack them. This is madness. I can't think of riding.

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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She turns round, sees the red fires and starts. The city's burning. She rushes off, the Adjutant following her. The Second Woman follows her, with the heap of dresses, shaking her head. Groom That's the east gate that's burning. Cook That's them gone. No food on the wagon. No wagon. How will we get away now? Groom Yes, well, this is an unhappy house. Sulika, I'll grab a few blankets. We're clearing out. The Nanny comes out of the gateway with the little boots. Nanny Your Grace. Groom She's upped and out. Nanny And the child? She runs and lifts up the child.

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Left this behind. Animals. She hands it to Grusha. Nanny Hold this for me for a minute. She adds deceitfully: I'll search for the carriage. She runs after the Governor's Wife. Grusha What have they done to His Grace, the Governor? The Groom mock-cuts his throat. Groom That's him. Seeing the gesture, the Fat Woman has a fit. Fat Woman God in heaven, God, God, Our Lord Georgi Abashvili – take me away. We've had it now, we'll die in sin like Our Lord Georgi Abashvili. The Third Woman speaks comfortingly to her. Third Woman Maro, calm yourself. You'll get away. You did nothing to no one. The Fat Woman is led away. Fat Woman Jesus God, oh God, God, move, move before they come, move before they come. Third Woman Maro's heart is softer than Her Ladyship's. Herself has others to do her crying. She realises Grusha is still holding the child. Third Woman That child! What are you doing with it?

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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Grusha He got left behind. Third Woman Michael – she left it lying there. Him, who was allowed to feel no draught. Servants gather around the child. 31 Grusha His sleep's over. Groom Put him down, do. I wouldn't like to imagine what's going to happen to whoever's found with that child. I'll fetch our things. Wait. He goes off into the palace. Cook He's right. Once they start, they'll slaughter family after family. I'll fetch my belongings. Everyone has gone. Two Women remain, together with Grusha, the child in her arms. Third Woman Put him down! Grusha The Nanny gave him to me to hold for a minute. Cook She's done a runner, you fool. Third Woman Get your hands off him. Cook They'll chase him more closely than they will his mother. He's the heir. Grusha, you're a good girl, but you have no brains. I'm telling you, if this had leprosy it couldn't be worse. Get out of here. The Groom comes back with bundles that he hands to the Women. Everyone makes ready to go, with the exception of Grusha. She is stubborn. Grusha It hasn't got leprosy. It's got eyes. It looks at you. Cook Then don't look at it, you. They can dump anything on you, you stupid wagon. If someone says, fetch the lettuce, you've the longest legs, you'll run and fetch it. We're taking the ox-cart, if you shift yourself, you can come on it. Jesus, the whole parish must be burning. Third Woman Have you not packed a stitch? The bastards will be here soon. The two Women and the Groom leave. Grusha I'm coming. 32 She puts the child down, looks at it for a few seconds, fetches pieces of clothing and covers the still-sleeping child with them. She then runs into the palace and fetches her things. The sounds of horses' hooves are heard, and the cries of women. The Fat Prince enters with drunken soldiers. One carries the Governor's head on a lance. Fat Prince Stick it here in the middle. One Soldier clambers over another's back, takes the head and holds it over the gateway. Fat Prince That's not the middle, that's more to the right. My dears, when I want something to happen, I'll make it happen in shipshape fashion. Order is everything.

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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A Soldier fixes the head by the hair with a hammer and nail. Fat Prince I positioned myself today at the church door and I said to Georgi Abashvili, 'I love a blue sky,' but I prefer a bolt from the blue. It's such a pity that they've taken the brat away. I need it urgently. Search for him in all Georgia. A thousand piastres, that's the reward. Looking carefully about her, Grusha comes to the gateway. The Fat Prince and the Soldiers leave. There is again the sound of horses' hooves. Grusha carries a bundle and goes up to the gateway. Just as she gets there she turns round and sees the child is still there. The Singer begins to sing. Grusha stands motionless. Singer She stood between the door and the gateway She thought she heard the child say, Whisper, half call in a voice like her own, 'Woman, help me,' a voice that knew more than silence and stone, 'Woman, help me, help me, hear flesh and bone, If you pass me by, if you block your ears, You will never listen to your lovers' fears, No birds will sing nor no angelus bell Toll in the vineyard where we all dwell.'

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Grusha takes a few steps towards the child and leans over it. Singer She heard this and returned to the child To see him one more time, so meek and mild, She sat with him, waiting for his mother, Wait for another, for any other – She sits opposite the child, leaning against a box. Singer This was a time of terror, the town full Of terror, this was a time of hell. As it becomes evening and the light grows weaker, Grusha goes into the palace to get a lamp and some milk to give the child to drink. The Singer sings loudly. Singer Terrible is the temptation to do good. Throughout the night, Grusha sits wide awake with the child. She lights the lamp and looks at him. She wraps it in a brocade coat. Sometimes she looks and listens about her to see if anyone comes. Singer For a long time she sat by the child, evening, night and dawn. How hard it is to resist; evening turned to night. How hard it is to resist; night turned to dawn. Too long she sat by the child, evening, night And dawn. Too long she heard the breathing of the tiny prince. The morning danced, She was entranced. She was convinced

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

He said, 'Take me away, Become a thief, Forget your grief, And just take me away.'

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She does as the Singer describes. Singer Like a thief's piece of precious delft She hid the child about herself And she stole away, Yes, she stole away. Copyright © Der kaukasische Kreidekreis 1955. Große kommentierte Berliner und Frankfurter Ausgabe 30 Bände, Suhrkamp Verlag, Frankfurt am Main. Translation copyright © 2007 by Brecht Heirs. Frank McGuinness has asserted his right to be identified as the translator of this work. Enquire about performing rights in the USA and Canada at: Fitelson, Lasky, Aslan and Couture, 551 Fifth Avenue, New York NY 10176-0078, USA Enquire about performing rights for professional performances throughout the World excluding the USA and Canada at: Alan Brodie Representation Ltd, Paddock Suite, The Courtyard, 55 Charterhouse Street, London EC1M 6HA [http://www.alanbrodie.com] Enquire about performing rights for amateur performances throughout the World excluding the USA and Canada at: Samuel French Ltd, 52 Fitzroy Street, London W1P 6JR [https://samuelfrench-london.co.uk] All rights whatsoever in this play are strictly reserved and application for performance etc. should be made before rehearsals to the performance rights holder. No performance may be given unless a licence has been obtained. No rights in incidental music or songs contained in the Work are hereby granted and performance rights for any performance/presentation whatsoever must be obtained from the respective copyright owners. All materials on this Website are the copyright of the publishers or are reproduced with permission from other copyright owners. All rights are reserved. The materials on this website may be accessed solely for personal use. No materials may otherwise be copied, modified, published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without prior written permission of the publisher.

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness) by Bertolt Brecht, translated by Frank McGuinness

Scene 2 The Flight into the Northern Mountains Singer Grusha Vachnadze went out of the town To travel this Georgian highway On the road into the Northern Mountains. How will the good and kind escape The bloodhounds and the trappers? She wandered into the bare, bereft mountains, She wound along the Georgian highway, She sang a song, she bought milk. Grusha continues walking, with the child in a sack on her back. In one hand she holds a bundle, in the other a large stick. She sings. Grusha Four generals Went off to Iran. The first had no taste for war. The second no taste for victory, The third thought the weather wasn't right. For the fourth the soldiers could not give a shite. Four generals Left without a pal. Sosso Robakisde Marched off to Iran. This boy had a stomach for war His boy liked the taste of victory He thought the weather was right enough For him the soldiers would fight enough. Sosso Robakisde, He's our man. A peasant cottage appears. Grusha speaks to the child. Grusha Time to eat, so we'll plonk ourselves here on the grass and live in hope until the good Grusha has bought a jug of milk.

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She puts the child on the ground and knocks at the cottage door. An Old Man opens it. Grusha Can you spare us a little jug of milk, and maybe a wheaten bun, Grandfather? Old Man We have no milk. The soldier gentlemen from the town have our goats. If you want milk go to the soldier gentlemen.

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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Grusha Would you not even have a sup of milk for the child, Grandfather? Old Man And I'll get a 'God bless you', will I? Grusha Who's talking about 'God bless you'? She takes out her purse. Grusha We'll pay out like princes. Head in the air, arse in the water. Crumbling, the Old Man fetches milk. Grusha And how much does that taste of milk cost? Old Man Three piastres. Milk's gone up. Grusha For that dribble? Without saying a word, the Old Man slams the door in her face. Grusha Did you hear that, Michael? Three piastres. We can't afford that. She goes back, sits down and gives her child her breast. We have to try it like this again. Suck, think of three piastres. It's dry as a bone, but you think you're drinking and that's better than nothing. She shakes her head, seeing the child is not suckling any more. She stands up, goes back to the door and knocks again. Open up, Grandpa, we'll pay. (She adds quietly:) God's curse on you.

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The Old Man opens the door again. Grusha I thought it would cost half a piastre. How about one piastre? Old Man Two. Grusha Don't bang the door shut again. She fishes about her purse for a long time. Here's two. That milk has to last, though. You've cut my throat. These prices are a sin. Old Man Bump off the soldiers if you want milk. She gives the child the milk. Grusha That's an expensive joke. That's half a week's wages. Suck, Michael. People here must think we shit money. Well, Michael, I've landed myself a hard one with you. She looks at the brocade coat in which the child is wrapped. A brocade coat, worth a thousand piastres, and not one piastre for milk? What's this? A coach with rich ones, making their getaway. In front of a caravanserai. Grusha, the child in her arms, dressed in the brocade coat, approaches two elegant Ladies. Grusha Oh, you ladies wish to spend the night here too? Isn't it utterly appalling how crowded everywhere is? There's not a cart to be had. My coachman did a runner, I've walked a whole half-mile on foot. Barefoot! My Persian shoes – those heels – you know yourselves. Why is no one coming?

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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Older Lady The Innkeeper does things in his own time. Since what happened in the capital, manners have gone to hell in this country. 38 The Innkeeper comes out, followed by his House Servant. He is a very venerable old man, with a long beard. Innkeeper Forgive an old man for keeping you ladies waiting. My little grandson was showing me a peach tree. You should have seen the blossoms – an exquisite pink. Younger Lady I have to say I didn't really study the landscape. He answers politely. Innkeeper The dust, I understand. On our highways it's wiser to take your time, unless you're in a hurry. Older Lady Wrap your scarf around your throat, dearest. The winds seem a little cool here in the evening. Innkeeper They come from the glaciers of the Jungu Tau, ladies. Grusha Yes, I'm afraid that my son will catch cold. Older Lady A very spacious caravanserai. Might we go in? Innkeeper Oh, you ladies want rooms? Sorry, we're full, ladies, and the serving staff have run off. Younger Lady We can't spend the night on the roads. The Older Lady asks drily: Older Lady How much do you charge? Innkeeper Dear ladies, you do understand that these times a house must be very careful – so many refugees – Older Lady We are not refugees, my good man. We are travelling to our summer residence in the mountains. We would not think of seeking hospitality unless we absolutely had to. He nods knowingly. Innkeeper Of course not. But I'm not sure the tiny room still available would suit the ladies. I do charge sixty piastres per person. Do you ladies belong together? 39 Grusha In a way, we do. I too need a place to stay. Younger Lady Sixty piastres. These prices are cut-throat. He answers coldly. Innkeeper I have no desires to cut throats, ladies, so – He turns to go. Older Lady Must we talk about throats? Come along. She goes in, followed by the House Servant. The Younger Lady is desperate. Younger Lady A hundred and eighty piastres for a room!

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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She looks around at Grusha. With the child it's impossible. What if it cries? Innkeeper The room costs 180 piastres, for two or three people. This changes her attitude to Grusha. Younger Lady Well, I couldn't bear to think of you on the street, my dear. Do come in. They go into the caravanserai. On the other side of the stage at the back, the House Servant appears with some luggage. Behind him come the Older Lady, then the Younger Lady and Grusha. Younger Lady A hundred and eighty piastres. I've not felt so furious since they brought dear Igor home. Older Lady Can we give Igor a rest? Younger Lady In fact, we're four people – the child is a person, isn't it? Couldn't you pay at least half the price? Grusha That's not possible. Look, I had to make a quick getaway. The Adjutant forgot to slip me enough money. Older Lady Have you not even got the sixty? 40 Grusha I will pay that. Younger Lady Where are the beds? House Servant No beds. There's blankets and sacks. Make them up yourselves. Just be glad you're not face down in a hole in the ground, like plenty others. He goes. Younger Lady Did you hear that? I shall go straight to the Innkeeper. The man should be whipped. Older Lady Like your husband. Younger Lady You're so rough. She cries. Older Lady How are we going to arrange something that resembles a bed? Grusha I'll do that. She puts the sleeping child down. Many hands make light work. She sweeps the floor. This all knocked me spinning. My husband, he said to me before the evening meal, 'Dear Anastasia Katarnovska, go and rest yourself a little longer, you know your migraine, you get it so easily.' She spreads out the sacks, making beds, as the Ladies watch her work. I said to the Governor, 'Georgi, I have sixty guests coming to dinner, I cannot lie down, the servants are not to be trusted, and Michael Georgievitch won't eat without me!'

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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She speaks to Michael. See, Michael, everything is going grand. What did I tell you? She suddenly notices that the Ladies are looking at her curiously and whispering. 41 Grusha There now, at least we won't have to lie on the cold floors. The Older Lady speaks commandingly to her. Older Lady You're very good at making beds, my dear. Show me your hands. Grusha is frightened. Grusha What do you mean? Younger Lady Show her your hands. Grusha shows her hands. The Younger Lady is triumphant. Younger Lady Chapped hands! A servant. The Older Lady goes to the door and shouts. Older Lady Service. Younger Lady You've been caught, you fraud. Confess what you were up to. Grusha is confused. Grusha I wasn't up to anything. I thought maybe you'd take us with you. Please don't make a fuss, I'll leave myself. Older Lady Service. Younger Lady You'll leave all right, but with the police. You stay put right now. Don't move from that spot. Grusha But I really would have paid the sixty piastres. Here – She shows her purse. Older Lady Service! Grusha See, I have it. Four tenners, a fiver, no, wait, that's a tenner as well, now that makes sixty. I only want to get the child on the coach, that's the truth. 42 Younger Lady So you wanted to get on the coach, now it's all coming out. Older Lady Police! Grusha I admit it, Your Ladyship, I was born poor, but please, don't get the police. The child is of noble birth, look at the linen. He's running away like yourselves. Younger Lady Noble birth – I know that old story. His father was a prince, I suppose? Grusha Will you shut your mouth? Have you a heart? Younger Lady She's dangerous. Help! Murder! The House Servant enters.

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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House Servant What's going on? Older Lady This individual has connived her way in here by pretending to be a lady. She's probably a thief. Younger Lady And a dangerous one. She wanted to kill us. Call the police. House Servant Just now we've run out of police. Younger Lady My migraine, I can feel it, God help me. House Servant Pack your belongings, sister, and do a bunk fast. Older Lady See if she's stolen something. Grusha You're not human beings. And they're already nailing your heads to the wall. The House Servant pushes her out. House Servant Shut your mouth, or the old man will be in, he's not one for jokes. To the right the Ladies search feverishly. The House Servant exits with Grusha through the door. House Servant Look at the people before you fall in with them in future. 43 Grusha I thought they'd behave with a bit of decency to their own. House Servant They don't think like that. Believe me, they may be lazy and useless, but it's a tough job to fool them. If they have half a hint that you can clean your own arse or have done a day's work once in your life, you're finished. Wait a minute. I'll bring you some cornbread and a couple of apples. Grusha Better not. Better I go before the Innkeeper comes. If I ran through the night I'd be out of harm's way, I think. She goes. He calls quietly after her. House Servant At the next crossroads turn right. She disappears. Singer Grusha Vachnadze was going to the north And the Ironmen of Prince Kazbeki followed. How can a barefoot girl Outrun the Ironmen? How can a barefoot girl Outrun hounds and trappers? They hunt her day and night. They know no tiredness. Butchers sleep lightly. Two Soldiers traipse on foot along the highway. Corporal Thickhead, you'll come to nothing. Your heart's not in this, that's why. Your boss notices that. It's in the details. There I was servicing the fat one the day before yesterday, you hold the husband down as I ordered you to, then you gave him one in the balls, but did you enjoy it, like a good soldier, or did you do it out of politeness? I've been watching you, thickhead. You're like a dry stick or a rattling can, you'll never rise in the ranks. They go on a bit further in silence.

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

Don't imagine I don't know you're an obstinate donkey. Beat an order into you and you still won't follow it. That limp is to let me know you don't like footing it. You're only doing it because I sold the old horses – for a price I'd never get again. It won't be any use to you, it'll be all the worse for you. Sing.

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The Soldier sings. Soldier I drag myself to the battlefield And think of the girl left behind me, I know her true heart will never yield Until I come home hale and hearty. Corporal Louder. Soldier But if I should lie in the cold churchyard Then let my love sing to my dust, Here rest the arms that held me hard, Here rest the feet that danced fast. They go on a bit further in silence. Corporal Yes, but a good soldier has to put his heart and soul in it. For the sake of top brass he'd let himself be blown to kingdom come, and as he breathes his last he should see how his corporal nods his approval. That's his reward. But you'll get no such nod and you'll still croak it. Christ, how am I to find the Governor's brat with such a bag of shite beside me? That I'd like to know. They go on. Singer Grusha Vachnadze came to the River Sirra And the flight weighed heavy on her, The helpless child too weighed heavy. To those who walk through the night The pink sky of the cornfields Means only a cold morning, The music of the milk churns In the farmyard where the smoke rises Frightens the refugee, She carries the child, She feels the burden, She feels nothing else but the fleeing child.

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Grusha stands before a farm. Grusha You've wet yourself again and I've no nappies for you. Michael, we must go our separate ways. It's far enough from the town, they won't follow you this distance, you little stinker. The farmer's wife is kind, and you can taste the smell of milk. All the best, Michael, I will forget how you kicked me in the back to make me run faster the whole night through, and you'll forget the humble grub, it was well meant. I'd have liked to hold on to you longer, because your nose is so small, but it's not on. I would have shown you your very first hare – and how to keep yourself dry, but I must go back, because my loved soldier may well be there again, and what if he does not find me waiting? That you can't ask of me, Michael. A fat Peasant Woman carries a churn to the door. Grusha waits until she's inside, then steals up to the house. She creeps to the door and lays the child down on the threshold. She waits hidden behind a tree until the Peasant Woman comes out of the door again and finds the bundle. Peasant Woman Jesus Christ, what's lying there? Husband!

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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He comes out. Peasant What's wrong? Let me finish my soup. Peasant Woman Where's your mother, if you have one? It's a boy, I think. The linen's good, that's a fine-born child. They've dumped it in front of the door. The times we live in. Peasant They must be mad if they think we'll feed it. Haul it to the priest in the village. That's an end to it. Peasant Woman What would the priest do with it? It needs a mother. Look, it's waking up. Could we not just take it in? Peasant (shouts) No. 46 Peasant Woman If I make it a bed by the armchair, I'd only need a basket. I could take it with me into the fields. Look how it's laughing. We have a roof over our heads, we can do it, so I'll hear no more, man. She brings the child in. The Peasant follows protesting. Grusha comes out from behind the tree, laughs and hurries away in the opposite direction. Singer Why are you happy, as you head for home? The little one has new parents, He smiled and they were his, That is why I'm happy. I'm free of the one I loved, And so I can be happy. And why are you sad? Because I'm free and I'm alone, That is why I'm so sad, Like a person who's lost something, Like a person who has nothing. She has gone a little way when she meets the two Soldiers, who point their lances at her. Corporal Young lady, you've run into the armed forces. Where do you come from? When did you come from it? Have you any subversive contacts with the enemy? Where is he? What sort of manoeuvres is he making in your rear? What about the hills? How are the valleys? How do you fasten your stockings? Grusha stands scared. Grusha They're pretty tightly fastened, so you'd better withdraw. Corporal I can be relied to make my withdrawal – be sure of that. Why are you looking at the lance like that? In the field the soldier never lets his hand loose off his lance – learn that by heart, thickhead. So, young lady, where are you making your way to?

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Grusha To my fiancé, Mr Soldier. He's Simon Chachava in the palace guard at Nukha. And when I write to him, he'll break every bone in your body. Corporal Simon Chachava, I know him surely. He gave me the wink that I should keep an eye on you from time to time. Well, thickhead, we're becoming unpopular. We'll have to show our intentions are honourable. Behind my smiles I've my serious side. So, down to business, I want a child from you. Grusha gives a quiet scream. Corporal

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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Thickhead, she's copped on. That gave her a sweet little shock. Let me take the bread out of the oven first, Mr Officer. Let me change my torn blouse first, Mr Colonel. No more jokes, young one, no more jokes. We're searching for a certain child. Have you heard of such a child showing up here from the town, a well-born child, dressed in good linen? Grusha No, I've heard nothing. Singer The butchers are coming, Run, run, good girl. You may be the helpless one. And so she runs. She turns suddenly and runs, panic-stricken, back where she came from. The Soldiers look at one another and follow her, swearing. Musicians In the worst of bloody times Good people still survive. Grusha bursts into the Peasant's house as the Peasant Woman leans over the basket with the child. Grusha Hide it quickly – the soldiers are coming. I left it in front of the door, but it's not mine. It belongs to the nobility. 48 Peasant Woman Who's coming? What soldiers? Grusha Don't waste time asking. The soldiers are looking for it. Peasant Woman They have nothing to look for in my house, but I think I need to say a word to you. Grusha Throw the good linen from him. It gives us away. Peasant Woman Ah, linen be damned. I decide what's what in this house. Why are you so pale? Don't be sick in my room. Why did you abandon him? It's a mortal sin. Grusha looks outside. Grusha They're coming out behind the trees right now. I should not have run away. That woke them up. What should I do now? The Peasant Woman also looks out and is suddenly deeply shocked. Peasant Woman Jesus and Mary, a soldier. Grusha They're after the child. Peasant Woman But what if they come in? Grusha Don't give it to them. Tell them it's yours. Peasant Woman Right. Grusha They'll knife it if you hand it over to them. Peasant Woman What if they demand it? I have the harvest money in the house. Grusha You have to say it's yours. Peasant Woman Right, but what if they don't believe me?

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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Grusha Say it out straight – Peasant Woman They'll burn the roof over our heads. Grusha All the more reason to say it's yours. He's called Michael. I shouldn't have told you that. 49 The Peasant Woman nods. Grusha Don't nod your head like that. Don't shake. They'll notice that. Peasant Woman Right. Grusha Stop saying 'Right'! I can't bear it any more. She shakes her. Have you no kids of your own? Peasant Woman (mumbles) In the war. Grusha Then maybe he's one of their side now. What if he were knifing children? Then you'd tear strips off him. 'Stop messing about with the lance in my parlour – did I rear you to behave like that? Wash your neck before you speak to your mother.' Peasant Woman That's true, he wouldn't try that with me. Grusha Promise me you'll say it's yours. Peasant Woman Right. Grusha They're coming now, There is a knocking at the door. The Women don't answer. The Soldiers enter. The Peasant Woman bows deeply. Corporal There she is. What did I tell you? Trust my nose, I could smell her out. What did you think I wanted from you, young lady? Something dirty, wasn't it? Confess. The Peasant Woman is constantly bowing. Grusha I left milk boiling on the stove. I'd just remembered it. Corporal I thought it was because I looked at you in a filthy way. A kind of fuck-me look, do you get me? Grusha I didn't notice that. 50 Corporal But it could have been, couldn't it? You must admit that. I could think of all kinds of things if we were left alone. He speaks to the Peasant Woman. Corporal Could you not busy yourself about the yard? Feed the hens. She throws herself suddenly on to her knees. Peasant Woman Mr Soldier, I know nothing about this. Don't burn the roof over our heads.

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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Corporal What are you talking about? Peasant Woman Mr Soldier, I have nothing to do with this – she dumped it at my door, I swear it. He sees the child and whistles. Corporal Well, thickhead, something small in the basket there – I smell a thousand piastres. Take that old woman outside. The Peasant Woman allows herself to be led off silently by the Soldier. Corporal So you have the child that I wanted you to have. Grusha Mr Officer, that's mine, it's not the one you want. The Corporal leans over the basket. Grusha looks despairingly about her. Grusha Mine, mine. Corporal Good linen. Grusha throws herself at him to pull him away. He pushes her off and leans over the basket again. She looks about desperately, sees a large log, lifts it up in panic and hits the Corporal on the head from behind. He sinks down. She picks up the child and quickly runs off. 51 Singer After the flight from the terrible soldiers After walking for twenty-two days At the foot of the Jungu Tau glacier Grusha Vachnadze took the child as her own. Musicians She took the helpless one, The helpless one, to be her own. Grusha crosses a half-frozen stream, giving the child water with her cupped hand. She sings. Grusha Since no one else will take you, Well then, I must take you, There's no one else to take you. A bad year, a black day – With me it's safe to stay. Since I've carried you dry and wet And wounded my two feet, Since milk emptied my pockets You've become my precious sweet. (I can't lose you again.) Cast your fine shirt to the wind. Wear clothes fit for a pauper, I'll wash you in rain and wind, Baptised in glacier water. (You'll have to survive the pain.) She has taken the fine linen off the child and wrapped it in rags.

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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Singer As Grusha Vachnadze, pursued by soldiers, Came to the glacier that led to the eastern villages, She sang the song of the rotten bridge and risked two lives. A wind has arisen. Out of the twilight the glacier footbridge looms. Since one rope is broken, it is half hanging into the abyss. Merchants, two men and a woman, stand uncertainly before the bridge as Grusha arrives with the child. In the meantime one of the men fishes for the hanging rope with a pole. 52 First Man Hey, young woman, you can't cross that pass. Grusha But I need to go with my child to my brothers on the eastern side. Merchant Woman Need? What do you mean, need? I need to cross because I have to buy two carpets in Atum that a woman needs to sell because her husband is dying, my dear. But can I do what I need to do? First Man Quiet – I think I hear something. Grusha (speaks loudly) The bridge is not rotten through and through. I think I could try to cross it. Merchant Woman I wouldn't try that if Satan himself were on my trail. The First Man shouts loudly. Grusha Don't shout. Tell him not to shout. First Man But down there someone's shouting. Maybe they've lost their way. Merchant Woman Why shouldn't he shout? Is something wrong with you? Grusha The soldiers are after me. I knocked one of them out. Second Man Hide the merchandise quick. The Merchant Woman hides a sack behind a stone. Grusha Get out of my way. I have to cross that bridge. Second Man I can't do that. That abyss drops two thousand feet deep. 53 Grusha Get out of my road. From a distance, cries: 'Up there!' Merchant Woman They're very near. You can't take the child on the bridge. Look down! Grusha looks into the abyss. The cries of the Soldiers come again from below. Second Man Two thousand feet. Grusha Those men are worse. First Man For the sake of the child, don't do it. Second Man She weighs more with the child.

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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Merchant Woman Give the child to me, I'll hide it. Grusha I will not do that. We belong together. She speaks to the child. Live together, die together. She sings. Son, the drop is deep And the bridge can break, Son, we cannot choose The way we would make. You must go the way That I know for you, You must eat the bread That I have for you. I will split and share, You'll get three in four, If the bits are big, I can't say for sure. She speaks. I'll try it. 54 Merchant Woman That's called tempting God. Cries from below: 'There she is! Up there!' Grusha Please, throw the pole away or they'll fish out the rope and follow me. She steps on to the swaying footbridge. The Merchant Woman screams as the bridge appears to break. But Grusha goes on and reaches the other side. First Man She's made it across. The Merchant Woman has fallen on her knees and prayed. Merchant Woman But she's still committed a sin. The Soldiers appear. The Corporal's head is bandaged. Corporal Seen anyone with a child? The Second Man throws the pole into the abyss. First Man There she is. And the bridge won't support you. Corporal Thickhead, you'll pay a hard price for this. On the other bank Grusha laughs and shows the child to the Soldiers. She goes on the bridge's remains. There is wind. Grusha looks at Michael. Grusha Don't be afraid of the wind, he's a poor old dog. He has to herd the clouds along and he freezes more than we do. It begins to snow.

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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And snow, Michael, it's not too bad. It dresses up the little fir trees, so they don't die in winter. Listen. She sings. Your father is a robber. Your mother is a whore. But the most honest of men. Will be bowing at your door.

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The son of the tiger Will bring little horses food, While the child of the snake Brings mother's milk that's good. Copyright © Der kaukasische Kreidekreis 1955. Große kommentierte Berliner und Frankfurter Ausgabe 30 Bände, Suhrkamp Verlag, Frankfurt am Main. Translation copyright © 2007 by Brecht Heirs. Frank McGuinness has asserted his right to be identified as the translator of this work. Enquire about performing rights in the USA and Canada at: Fitelson, Lasky, Aslan and Couture, 551 Fifth Avenue, New York NY 10176-0078, USA Enquire about performing rights for professional performances throughout the World excluding the USA and Canada at: Alan Brodie Representation Ltd, Paddock Suite, The Courtyard, 55 Charterhouse Street, London EC1M 6HA [http://www.alanbrodie.com] Enquire about performing rights for amateur performances throughout the World excluding the USA and Canada at: Samuel French Ltd, 52 Fitzroy Street, London W1P 6JR [https://samuelfrench-london.co.uk] All rights whatsoever in this play are strictly reserved and application for performance etc. should be made before rehearsals to the performance rights holder. No performance may be given unless a licence has been obtained. No rights in incidental music or songs contained in the Work are hereby granted and performance rights for any performance/presentation whatsoever must be obtained from the respective copyright owners. All materials on this Website are the copyright of the publishers or are reproduced with permission from other copyright owners. All rights are reserved. The materials on this website may be accessed solely for personal use. No materials may otherwise be copied, modified, published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without prior written permission of the publisher.

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness) by Bertolt Brecht, translated by Frank McGuinness

Scene 3 In the Northern Mountains Singer The sister wandered for seven days. She wandered over the glaciers, down the slopes. She said to herself, When I enter my brother's house, He will rise and embrace me. He will say, Is that you, sister? I have been expecting you for a long time. This here is my dear wife. And this is my home, mine through marriage, With eleven horses and thirty-one cows. Sit down. Sit down at our table with your child and eat. The brother's house lay in a lovely valley. She was sick from wandering. The sister, when she came to the brother. The brother stood up from the table. A fat peasant couple has just sat down to eat. Lavrenti Vachnadze has a napkin around his neck. Supported by a Stableman and very pale, Grusha enters with the child. Lavrenti Grusha, where have you come from? Grusha (speaks weakly) I've crossed the Jungu Tau pass, Lavrenti. Stableman I found her before the haybarn. She's a child with her. Aniko Go and groom the chestnut. He leaves. Lavrenti This is my wife, Aniko. Aniko We thought you were in service in Nukha. Grusha can hardly stand. 57 Grusha I was, yes. Aniko Was it not a good job? We heard it was a good job. Grusha The Governor has been killed. Lavrenti Yes, there's been word about riots. Didn't your aunt say so, Aniko? Aniko Here we've been very quiet. They're always stirring things up in towns.

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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Going to the door, she shouts: Sosso, don't take that cake out of the oven yet. Sosso, do you hear? Where have you got to? She goes out, shouting. He speaks quietly and quickly. Lavrenti Have you a father for it? She shakes her head. I thought as much. We have to come up with something. Herself is very devout. Aniko returns. Aniko Servants! You have a child? Grusha sinks and Lavrenti helps her. Aniko Mary and Joseph, she's diseased, what will we do? Lavrenti wants to lead Grusha to the bench by the stove. Aniko, horrified, waves them away and points to a sack by a wall. He brings Grusha to the wall. Lavrenti Sit down, sit down, she's just taken weak. Aniko I'd say that's the scarlet fever! Lavrenti Then there would have to be spots. She's taken weak, calm yourself, Aniko! Sitting makes it better, yes? Aniko Is the child hers? 58 Grusha Mine. Lavrenti She's on her way to her husband. Aniko Is that so? Your meat's growing cold. He sits and begins to eat. Cold food is bad for you. You have a delicate stomach, you know that. If your husband's not in the city, then where is he? Lavrenti She was married across the mountain, she said. Aniko Is that so? She sits down and eats. Grusha I think you'll have to let me lie down somewhere, Lavrenti. Aniko carries on cross-questioning. Aniko If it's TB, we'll all catch it. Has your man got a farm? Grusha He's a soldier. Lavrenti He has a farm, a small one, from his father. Aniko Is he not in the war? Why not?

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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Grusha answers with difficulty. Grusha Yes, he's in the war. Aniko Then why do you want to go to the farm? Lavrenti He'll go back to the farm when he comes from the war. Aniko But you want to go there now? Lavrenti To wait for him, yes. Aniko (shouts shrilly) Sosso – the cakes. Grusha (mumbles feverishly) Farm. Soldier. Wait. Sit down, eat. 59 Aniko That is definitely the scarlet fever. Grusha starts up. Grusha He has a farm, yes. Lavrenti I think she's just taking a weak fit, Aniko. Don't you want to go and see about the cakes, pet? Aniko But if the war has started again, when will he come back? She waddles out, shouting. Sosso, where have you got to? Sosso? He stands up quickly and goes to Grusha. Lavrenti You'll get a bed in a short while. She has a good soul, but only when she's filled her belly. Grusha holds the child out to him. Grusha Take. He takes it, looking around. Lavrenti But you can't stay long. She's very devout, you know. Grusha falls down. Lavrenti picks her up. Singer The sister was too ill. The coward of a brother had to shelter her. Autumn went and winter came. The winter was long. The winter was short. The people mustn't know. The spring must not come. In the scullery Grusha works at a loom. She and the child, who crouches on the floor, are wrapped in a blanket. She sings as she weaves. 60 Grusha When the lover got ready to go

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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His girl ran begging after him, Begging and pleading, pleading so: My darling boy, my jewel, If you're going into battle, If the enemy you hurt, Don't face him at the front, And don't make up the rear. The front is all red fire, The rear is all red smoke, Stay where the battle's stroke Is softer in the middle. My darling boy, my jewel, Stay where the flag is waving, Your life is worth saving. The front are the first to die, And the rear gave up a sigh, But the man in the middle came home. She speaks. Michael, we have to have our wits about us. If we grow into tiny cockroaches, the sister-inlaw will forget we're here. Then we can stay till the snow melts. And don't cry because you're cold. If you're poor and freezing, you're not too popular. Lavrenti enters and sits by his sister. Lavrenti Why are you sitting wrapped like two coachmen? Is it too cold in the room maybe? She hastily throws off her shawl. Grusha It's not cold, Lavrenti. Lavrenti If it were too cold, you shouldn't sit here with the child. Then Aniko would be angry with herself. There is a pause. The priest's not said anything to you about the child, I hope. 61 Grusha He did ask, but I said nothing. Lavrenti That's good. I wanted to talk to you about Aniko. She's a good soul, but sensitive, very sensitive. If people say a word about the farm, she's already panicking. She feels things deeply, you know. Once the milkmaid had a ladder in her stockings in church, since that my little Aniko wears two pairs of stockings going to church. He listens. A noise like water dripping falls from the roof. Lavrenti What's dripping there? Grusha Must be a barrel leaking. Lavrenti It must be a barrel, yes. Now, haven't you been here these past six months? Was I talking about Aniko? Naturally I've said nothing to her about the soldiers – she has a dicky heart. That's why she doesn't know you can't look for a job. They listen again to the drip of the melting snow. Would you believe it, she's very worried about your soldier? 'What if he comes back and doesn't find her?' she says, lying awake at night. I say, 'He can't come before the spring.' The darling woman.

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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The drips fall quicker. When will he come, do you think? She is silent. Not before spring, no, you think so too? She says nothing. But when spring comes and the snow melts you can't stay here any longer, because then they could start searching for you and people are beginning to talk about a child with a single mother. The tinkling of the drips falling has grown loud and steady. Grusha, the snow's melting from the roof and it's spring. 62 Grusha It is. Lavrenti (speaks eagerly) Let me tell you what we're going to do. Since you have a child – He sighs. You must have a husband to stop people talking. So I've quietly enquired on the side how to find a man to marry you. I've found one, Grusha. I've spoken to a woman who has a son, a little farm, just over the mountain. She's up for it. Grusha But I can't marry any man. I have to wait for Simon Chachava. Lavrenti That's all been worked out. You don't need a man in bed, only a man on paper. So I found one. I'm in agreement with this peasant woman. Her son is on the point of dying. Isn't that great? He's gasping his last breath. And everything is just as we said. 'A husband over the mountain.' And as you come over to him, he breathes his last and you become a widow. What do you say? Grusha I could do with a document with stamps on it for Michael. Lavrenti Stamps are the business, they do the work. Even the Shah of Persia couldn't claim he was Shah of Persia without a stamp. And you'll have a place to shelter. Grusha How much is the woman looking for? Lavrenti Four hundred piastres. Grusha Where will you get it from? He confesses guiltily. Lavrenti Aniko's milk money. Grusha No one will know us there. I'll do it so. He stands up. Lavrenti I'll let the peasant woman know straight away. 63 Grusha Michael, you have a knack for causing bother. I came to you like the pear tree comes to the sparrows. And because a Christian bends down to pick up a piece of bread so it's not wasted. Michael, it would have fitted me better to clear off that Easter Sunday in Nukha. Now I'm a right fool. Singer As the bride arrived,

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The groom lay close to death. His mother waited by the door And urged them to hurry. The bride brought the child with her, And the witness hid it while they wed. A room split by a partition. A bed stands on one side. A very sick Man lies rigid behind a mosquito net. The Mother comes running in from one side, dragging Grusha by the hand. Lavrenti comes in after them, with the child. Mother Get a move on, quick, or he'll kick the bucket before the wedding. She speaks to Lavrenti. Mother She has a child already, that wasn't in the deal. Lavrenti What the hell odds? It's nothing to him the way he is. Mother Nothing to him, but me, I won't recover from the scandal! We are respectable people. She begins to cry. My Jessup does not need to marry a woman who's already got a child. Lavrenti Look, I'll throw in another two hundred piastres. You have it in writing that the farm goes to you, but she has the right to live here for two years. The Mother dries her tears. 64 Mother It'll hardly cover the cost of burying him. I hope she will really give me a hand with the work. Now, where's the monk gone? He must have crawled out of the kitchen window. We'll have the whole village hanging around our necks if they catch word Jessup is about to snuff it. Oh God. I'll fetch him but he mustn't set eyes on the child. Lavrenti I'll see to it he doesn't, but why a monk and not a priest? Mother One's the same as the other. The only mistake I made was to give him half his money before the wedding – now he's stuck in a pub. I hope – She runs off. Lavrenti She's saved on the priest, miserable wagon. Taken a cheap monk! Grusha Send Simon Chachava over to me if he comes. Lavrenti I will. He looks at the sick man. Lavrenti Do you want a look at him? Grusha, who has taken Michael by the hand, shakes her head. Lavrenti Not a shift out of him. I hope we haven't come too late. They listen. The Neighbours enter on the other side. They look about and then position themselves by the walls. They begin to mumble quiet prayers. The Mother comes in with the Monk. Angry and surprised, she speaks to the Monk.

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Mother Now we've had it. She bows to the Guests. Please wait a few moments. My son's bride has just arrived from town and a quick wedding will have to take place. 65 She goes with the Monk to the bedroom. Mother I knew you'd shoot your mouth off. She speaks to Grusha. Mother The wedding can take place straight away. I have the licence. Myself and the brother of the bride – After he has quickly taken Michael off Grusha, Lavrenti tries to hide in the background. The Mother now waves him away. Mother Myself and the brother of the bride are witnesses. Grusha has bowed before the Monk and they go to the bedside. The Mother pushes the mosquito net back. The Monk drones through the wedding ceremony in Latin. The Mother makes signs to Lavrenti to get the child away, but Lavrenti tries to stop the child from crying by drawing his attention to the ceremony. Grusha looks once at the child and Lavrenti waves at her with the child's little hand. Monk Are you prepared to be your husband's true and obedient spouse and to stay with him until death doth you part? Grusha looks to the child. Grusha Yes. Monk Are you prepared to be a good and caring husband to your wife until death do you part? Since the dying Man does not answer, the Monk repeats his question and then looks around. Mother He is, of course – didn't you hear the 'yes'? Monk Good. I declare these marriage vows made. Now, what about the last rites? 66 Mother Whistle for them. The wedding cost enough. I've to look after the wake. Did we say seven hundred piastres? Lavrenti Six hundred. He counts. And I won't sit down with the guests in case I get to know any. So, Grusha, goodbye, and if my widowed sister ever visits me, she'll hear a welcome from my wife, or else I'll be very cross. He goes. As he passes, the Guests glance after him without interest. Monk May one ask what child this is?

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Mother Child? I see no child and neither do you. All right? If not, maybe I saw all kinds of carry-on behind the pub. Come on. They go into the front room. After Grusha has put the child down and told it to be quiet, she is introduced to the Guests. Mother This is my daughter-in-law. She's found my dear Jessup barely alive. Woman A desperate thing to happen to a farm. The corn ripe for the picking and the farmer in his bed. I thought he was just doing a bunk from the army. I was wrong, God take him. I say it will be a relief for him when his suffering's over. Mother Please, sit yourselves down and help yourselves to cakes. The Mother beckons Grusha. The two Women go into the bedroom where they pick up trays of cakes from the floor. The Guests, the Monk among them, sit on the floor and begin a subdued conversation. Peasant You say there's a little one? How could that have happened with Jessup? 67 Mother Gossiping already, and filling their faces with the funeral cake. If he doesn't die today, I'll have to bake more tomorrow. Grusha I'll bake them. Mother Yesterday evening, when the horsemen went by rounding up the boys, I went out to see who it was, I came back in, and he's lying there like a man dead. Then I sent for you. It can't take much longer. Grusha gives Michael a cake. Grusha Eat the cake, Michael, and be nice and quiet. We're respectable people now. They carry the cake trays out to the Guests. The dying Man sits up under the mosquito net and sticks his head out looking after them. Then he sinks back again. The Monk has taken two bottles out from under his habit. He passes them to the Peasant sitting near him. Three Musicians enter. The Monk waves at them with a grin. Mother Why have you landed here with your instruments? Musician Brother Anastasius here told us there was a wedding. Mother What? You've tied three more around my neck? Do you know there's a man dying in there? Monk It's a great challenge to an artist. Should it be a subdued happy march or a jolly funeral jig? Mother Play at least, you won't be stopped from eating. The Musicians play a mixture of music. Monk Dear mourners, wedding guests, here we stand moved to tears, before a deathbed and a bridal bed. The woman gets a veil, the man gets a grave. The bridegroom's just been washed, and now the bride's on heat. Dear me, we're all getting a stiffy. Nothing we can do about it – it's all fate.

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

Different folks, different strokes. La-di-da. One dies in there to get a roof over his head, and the other gets married so that flesh may turn to dust, from which we're made. Amen.

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68

The Mother hears this. Mother He's getting his own back. I shouldn't have picked such a cheap one, you get what you pay for. A dear one would behave himself. There's one in Sura, whose very farts are fanatical, but he costs a fortune of course. A fifty-piastre priest like himself puts no value on anything. When I fetched him from the pub, he was shouting, 'The war is over, fear the peace.' Come on – we have to go in. The Women offer cakes around. A violent dance ensues. The Mother listens. She throws the drunks out. The music breaks off. Monk The war is over. Fear the peace. The Guests are embarrassed. There is a pause. The Guests speak loudly. Guests He's right. Have you heard, the Grand Duke has come back? They say the Shah of Persia has lent him a great army, so he can restore order in Georgia. But the Shah of Persia hates the Grand Duke. He hates disorder more. Anyway, the war's over. Our soldiers are coming back. Grusha (asks weakly) Did someone say that the soldiers were back? Man I did. Grusha That can't be. 69 The Man speaks to a woman. Man Show her your shawl. We bought it from a soldier. It's from Persia. She looks at the shawl. Grusha They are back. There is a long pause. Grusha kneels down as if to pick up cakes. As she does so, she takes the silver cross and chain from her neck. She kisses it and begins to pray. The Guests watch Grusha in silence. Mother What is it with you? Look after our guests, will you? What has all this silliness in the town to do with us? Grusha remains with her forehead fixed to the ground. The Guests take up the conversation loudly. Guests

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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You can buy Persian saddles from soldiers now, some of them swap them for crutches. The top knobs know one side wins a war, but the soldiers lose it on both sides. At least that's the end of the call-up. Jessup sits up in the bed and listens. Guests What we need is two more weeks of good weather. Our pear trees have hardly no fruit this year. The Mother offers cakes. Mother Take some more cakes and enjoy them. There's more. The Mother goes with the empty tray into the bedroom. She doesn't see the sick man and bends over a full tray on the floor as he begins to speak hoarsely. Jessup How many more cakes will you stuff down their gullets? Do you think my arse shites money? The Mother turns round and stares in shock. Jessup climbs out from behind the mosquito net. 70 Jessup Did they say the war was over? In the other room the Second Woman speaks friendlily to Grusha. Second Woman Has the young lady someone in the war? Man Well, it's good news they're coming home. Jessup Stop staring. Where's the one you've saddled me with as a wife? Since he gets no answer, he climbs out of bed and, swaying in his shirt, walks past the Mother to the other room. Trembling, she follows him with the cake tray. Seeing him, the Guests shout. Guests Jesus, Mary and Joseph – Jessup. All stand up in alarm. Women rush for the door. Still on her knees, Grusha lifts up her head and stares at him. Jessup Eating over my corpse. Out before I whip you out! The Guests leave the house quickly. He speaks glumly to Grusha. Jessup That's put a stop to your gallop, eh? Since she says nothing, he takes a cake from the tray the Mother is holding. Singer Confusion, confusion, The bride finds out she has a husband. By day there's the child, By night there's the man. And the lover's on his way back day and night. The married couple look at each other. The bedroom's narrow. Jessup sits naked in a high wooden bathtub.

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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The Mother pours water out of a jug. In the room next door Grusha crouches with Michael, who's playing at patching up a straw mat. 71 Jessup This is for her to do now. Where's she hidden herself again? The Mother shouts. Mother Grusha! Himself is looking for you. Grusha speaks to Michael. Grusha There's still two holes – you have to mend them. Grusha enters. Jessup Scrub my back. Grusha Can the farmer not do that himself? Jessup 'Can the farmer not do that himself?' Grab that brush, or the devil take you. Are you my wife or are you a stranger? He speaks to his Mother. Jessup Too cold. Mother I'll go and fetch hot water. Grusha I'll go. Jessup You stay. The Mother takes off. Jessup Rub harder. And don't give me airs and graces. Haven't you seen a naked man before? Your child wasn't fucked out of thin air. Grusha The child wasn't conceived in joy, if that's what the farmer means. He turns and looks at her and grins. Jessup I wouldn't lay bets on that. Grusha stops scrubbing and shrinks back. The Mother enters. 72 Jessup You've landed me a right rare one – a dry fish for a wife. Mother She's not willing to do her bit. Jessup Pour, but easily. Ow, I said easily. He speaks to Grusha. Jessup I wouldn't be surprised if you did more than your bit in the town, or else why would you be here? I've not said a word against the bastard you trailed into my house, but I've come to the end of my patience. This isn't natural. He speaks to the Mother.

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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Jessup More. He speaks to Grusha. Jessup Even if your soldier boy worms back, you are married. Grusha Yes. Jessup But your soldier won't show up any more. Grusha No. Jessup You're cheating me. You're my wife, and you're not my wife. Where you lie, there's nobody laid there, and yet no other woman can lie there. When I go out early to the fields, I'm completely spent. When I lie down at night, I sleep no more than Satan. God made you woman, and what do you do? My bit of land doesn't earn me enough to buy myself a woman in the town. Woman clears the fields and opens her legs, that's what it says in our book. Do you hear me? Grusha Yes. She adds quietly: I didn't do right cheating you. Jessup You didn't do right. Pour again. 73 The Mother pours. Jessup Jesus! Singer She sat by the stream To wash linen And she saw his face in the flood, His face became paler With the passing moons. She got up to wring the linen And heard his voice Whistling from the maple His voice became more quiet With the passing moons. She sighed and made more excuses, She poured out tears and sweat, With the passing moons, The child grew up. Grusha crouches by a little stream, and dips linen in the water. A few children stand at a distance. Grusha speaks to Michael. Grusha You can play with them, Michael, but don't let them boss you about because you're the smallest. A duck takes to water, they say. Michael runs away, the children follow him. Grusha laughs, looking after them. When she turns back, Simon Chachava stands on the other side of the stream. He wears a torn uniform. Grusha Simon! Simon Is that Grusha Vachnadze?

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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Grusha Simon. He addresses her formally. Simon God's blessing and good health to the young lady. She gets up happily and bows deeply. 74 Grusha God's blessing on Mr Soldier, and thank God that he's back safely. Simon They found better than me, so they didn't eat me, said the haddock. Grusha It took courage, said the servant boy. It took luck, said the hero. Simon How were things here? Did you endure the winter, were the neighbours considerate? Grusha The winter was rough enough, the neighbours were the neighbours, Simon. Simon May a man ask: is a certain person still fond of sticking her leg in the water when washing clothes. Grusha The answer's no, because the bushes have eyes. Simon The young lady's talking about soldiers. A paymaster stands before her. Grusha Is that not twenty piastres? Simon And board. Grusha gets tears in her eyes. Grusha Behind the barracks, beneath the date trees. Simon There exactly. I see someone never misses a thing. Grusha Someone didn't. Simon And has someone not forgotten? She shakes her head. So is the door still on its hinges, as they say? Grusha looks at him in silence and shakes her head. Simon What is this? Is something not right? Grusha Simon Chachava, I can never go back to Nukha. Something's happened. Simon What has? 75 Grusha I knocked an Ironman out. Simon To do that Grusha Vachnadze must have had a good excuse. Grusha Simon Chachava, I'm no longer called what I was called. There is a pause. Simon I do not understand that. Grusha Simon, when do woman change their names? Nothing's changed between us. Everything is still the same. You must believe me on that.

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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Simon How can nothing be changed between us and yet it has? Grusha How can I explain it to you so quickly? The stream's between us. Can you not cross the footbridge? Simon Maybe it is not necessary. Grusha It is very necessary. Simon, cross over quickly. Simon Will the young lady tell if someone's come too late. Grusha looks despairingly, her face streaming with tears. Simon stares ahead. He's picked up a piece of wood and begins to carve it. Singer So many words were said, So many words were silence. The soldier has come. Where did he come from? He did not say. Hear what he thought, But did not say. In the grey of morning The battle began, And by twelve o'clock It got bloody. The first fell before me, The second fell behind me, The third beside me. I stepped on the first, The second I left, The captain gutted the third. My one brother died by steel, Another breathed his last When the air turned to smoke. Fire burned my back, My hands froze in my gloves, My toes in my socks. I've eaten aspen buds, I've drunk maple brew, I've slept on stones In the water.

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Simon I see a cap, there in the grass. Is there a little one already? Grusha There is, Simon. I won't hide that. Don't worry yourself. It's not mine. Simon They say, when the wind blows once, it blows through every crack. The lady need say no more. Grusha bows her head and says no more. Singer There was longing, But there was no waiting. The oath was broken. Why? That was not told. Hear what she thought, But didn't say. Soldier, you fought in the battle, The bloody battle,

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

The bitter battle, And I met a child Who was helpless. I had not the heart To do away with it, I had to care for it, Or what would become of it? I had to bend on the floor For crumbs of bread, I had to tear myself for the sake Of what was not mine. A stranger to me. For the little tree needs water, The little calf loses itself If the herdsman sleeps And cannot hear the cry.

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77

Simon Give me back the cross I gave you. Better still, hurl it into the stream. He turns to go. Grusha Simon Chachava, don't go – he's not mine, he's not mine. She hears the children shouting. Michael, what's wrong? Michael Soldiers are coming. Grusha stands shocked. Two Soldiers come up to her. Soldier Are you Grusha? She nods. Is this your child? Grusha Yes. Simon goes. Grusha Simon. Soldier We have a legal command to take this child, found in your care, to Nukha, since there is a suspicion he is Michael Abashvili, son of the Governor Georgi Abashvili and his wife, Natella Abashvili. Here is the document with the legal stamps. 78 They lead the child away. Grusha runs after them, shouting. Grusha Leave him, please, he's mine. Singer The soldiers took away the child, The loved one. The unlucky one followed them To the city, That place of danger. The mother who bore him Demanded the child back. The woman who reared him

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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Faced judgement. Who will decide the case? Who will get the child? Who will the judge be, A good one, a bad one? The city was on fire. In the judge's seat sat Azdak. Copyright © Der kaukasische Kreidekreis 1955. Große kommentierte Berliner und Frankfurter Ausgabe 30 Bände, Suhrkamp Verlag, Frankfurt am Main. Translation copyright © 2007 by Brecht Heirs. Frank McGuinness has asserted his right to be identified as the translator of this work. Enquire about performing rights in the USA and Canada at: Fitelson, Lasky, Aslan and Couture, 551 Fifth Avenue, New York NY 10176-0078, USA Enquire about performing rights for professional performances throughout the World excluding the USA and Canada at: Alan Brodie Representation Ltd, Paddock Suite, The Courtyard, 55 Charterhouse Street, London EC1M 6HA [http://www.alanbrodie.com] Enquire about performing rights for amateur performances throughout the World excluding the USA and Canada at: Samuel French Ltd, 52 Fitzroy Street, London W1P 6JR [https://samuelfrench-london.co.uk] All rights whatsoever in this play are strictly reserved and application for performance etc. should be made before rehearsals to the performance rights holder. No performance may be given unless a licence has been obtained. No rights in incidental music or songs contained in the Work are hereby granted and performance rights for any performance/presentation whatsoever must be obtained from the respective copyright owners. All materials on this Website are the copyright of the publishers or are reproduced with permission from other copyright owners. All rights are reserved. The materials on this website may be accessed solely for personal use. No materials may otherwise be copied, modified, published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without prior written permission of the publisher.

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness) by Bertolt Brecht, translated by Frank McGuinness

Scene 4 The Story of the Judge Singer Listen to the story of the judge: How he became a judge, How he gave judgement And what make of judge is he. That Easter Sunday of the great rising And the father of our child, Georgi Abashvili, lost his head, And the Grand Duke was overthrown, Azdak, the village clerk, found a refugee In the woods and hid him in his hut. In rags and having a few drinks, Azdak helps a Refugee, dressed as a beggar, into his hut. Azdak You're not a horse, quit snorting. And it'll do you no good with the police to run like snot in April. Be still, I'm telling you. He catches the Refugee again, who has tottered on as if he would walk through the wall of the hut. Azdak Sit down and have a feed – there's some cheese. He fetches some cheese out from a box under some rags and the Refugee eats it ravenously. Azdak Been a while since you put a bite in your stomach? The Refugee mumbles. Azdak Listen, arsehole, why did you run like that? The policeman wouldn't have seen you at all. Refugee Had to. Azdak Shite scared out of you? Not understanding, the Refugee stares at him. Azdak Shite? Scared? Eh? Don't slobber like a sow or a Grand Duke. I can't stick it. We're forced to put up with highborn shitehawks as God made them. But not your like. I once heard of one high court judge who farted in company just to show he was an independent spirit. Watching you eat gives me the heebie-jeebies. Why don't you say a word?

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He speaks sharply. Show me your hand. Do you not hear me? Hand, show me. Trembling, the Refugee holds out his hand. Azdak

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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White! So you're no beggar. A fraud, a wandering cheat. And I'm hiding you like a decent man. Tell me why you're on the run when you have land, because you have – don't deny it, I read it in your guilty face. He stands up. Get out. The Refugee looks at him uncertainly. Azdak What's holding you back? Don't you have peasants to whip? Refugee Being followed. Give undivided attention – want to make proposition. Azdak Proposition – what? Have you no shame? He's making a proposition. A man scratches his bites until they bleed, and the louse makes a proposition. I'm telling you, get out. Refugee Understand point of view. Persuasion. Pay a hundred thousand piastres for one night, yes? Azdak Do you think you can buy me? For a hundred thousand piastres? A lousy farm? Make it a hundred and fifty thousand. Then you have a deal. Refugee Have not got it with me, of course. Will be sent. Hope. Do not doubt. Azdak Doubt deeply. Get out. The Refugee stands up and trots to the door. A voice calls from outside. 81 Voice Azdak. The Refugee turns round and trots to the opposite corner. He stays standing there. Azdak (shouts) I'm not available for conversation. He goes to the door. So you're back from snouting around, Shauva. The policeman, Shauva, cries reproachfully outside. Shauva You caught another hare, Azdak. You swore to me it wouldn't happen again. Azdak grows severe. Azdak Shauva, stop talking about things that are beyond you. The hare is a bad brute of an animal that devours plants, especially the so-called weeds. That's why they have to be wiped out. Shauva Azdak, don't be cruel to me. If I don't take action against you, I'm out on my ear. I know your heart's good. Azdak My heart is not good. Am I not blue in the face telling you that I'm a class of an intellectual? Shauva I know, Azdak – you have brains in your arse, you say so yourself. Now I'm asking you, me a Christian and uneducated man: if a hare's stolen from the Duke, and me a policeman, what should I do with the thief? Azdak Shauva, Shauva, shame on you. You stand there and you ask me a question, and there is nothing more tantalising than a question. Now say you were a woman, that Nunovna, that naughty Nunovna, and she asked me, what am I going to do with my thigh, it's got a wild itch in it, now is she innocent when she does that? She is not. I catch a hare,

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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but you catch humans. Man is made in God's image, but a hare is not. I eat hare, but you eat men, Shauva, so go on home and fall on your knees, you cannibal. No, wait, maybe I have something for you. He looks at the Refugee, who stands there trembling. 82 Azdak No, it's nothing, no. Go home and fall on your knees. He slams the door in his face. Your eyes are popping out of their sockets, aren't they? I didn't hand you over, eh? I couldn't hand over a flea to that specimen of a policeman. It goes against my nature. Don't shake. So old, and such a coward. Eat up your cheese, but eat like a poor man, or they'll get you yet. God, have I even got to show you how a poor man behaves? He pushes the Refugee down to make him sit and puts the piece of cheese back in his hand. Azdak This box is the table. Put your elbows on the table. Now circle round the cheese on the plate; it could be ripped from under you at any minute, so why should you feel safe? Treat the knife like it's a little sickle – and stop looking at the cheese with such pleasure – look at it more sadly, because it is already fading, like everything good. He looks at him. They're after your skin, that's in your favour, but how can I know you're the genuine article? Once in Tiblisi, they hung a landowner – a Turk. He could prove to them that he quartered his peasants and not just halved them, as the rest did. He also squeezed double the tax out of them. He was sharp, very sharp – but they hanged him, like a dog, because he was a Turk, which was something he could do nothing about. Such injustice. He came to the gallows with as much enthusiasm as Pontius Pilate came to the Creed. To put it bluntly, I don't trust you. Singer So Azdak gave shelter to the old beggar that night. He found out that it was the Grand Duke himself, that old mumbler. He was ashamed, blamed himself, ordered the policeman to take him to judgement, before the court in Nukha. Mob hangs judge. 83 Singer Times gone by, when the streets were blood, When this town was like a living hell, Who ruled? This was a time of terror, the town Full of terror, this was a time of hell. Mob Yes, yes, yes, yes, that is so. In court, three Soldiers crouch, drinking. Azdak enters in chains, dragging Shauva after him. Azdak Keep your trap shut, Shauva. These are changed times – they're going to thunder over us. Even policemen are being wiped out. Everything is being investigated. Everything is being thrown out into the open. That's why it's better to hand yourself in before the people get their hands on you. It's the only way out. He shouts. I helped him get away – the Grand Duke – the Grand Thief – the Grand Strangler. I demand that Fm punished severely, in an open court, in the name of justice. First Soldier Who's this funny boy?

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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Shauva It's Azdak, our clerk. Azdak I demand to be hauled in chains to the capital, because in my ignorance I sheltered the Grand Duke, the Grand Cheat. I only found this out after I came across this document in my hut. The Soldiers study the document. Azdak They can't read. Look, I'm accusing myself. With large gestures, he glances at the Soldiers. Azdak I'm the one who let the Grand Duke run away! Comrades, where's the judge? I have to be tried. The First Soldier points to the hanged man. 84 First Soldier There's the judge. And stop calling us comrades – we're a bit sensitive about that. Azdak 'There's the judge.' No one's ever heard that in Georgia before. Comrades, friends, where is His Excellency, the Governor? Here is His Excellency. Where is the senior tax collector? The chief recruiting officer? The chief of police? Here, here, here, all here. Brothers, that is what I expected from you. Good work. First Soldier Stop, what did you expect, funny boy? Azdak That you hanged them, brothers, that you hanged them. First Soldier Wait. Do you see that red sky over there? Azdak looks around. There is the glow of fire in the sky. First Soldier Those are bodies burning on the outskirts of the town. This morning the Governor lost his head at the command of Prince Kazbeki. And our carpet-weavers got a bit carried away, 'comrade'. This afternoon it was they who strung a city judge up by the heels. 'Our dear Illo Orbeliani.' They began to ask if the great and the good might like a taste of their own medicine. So we were called in. We demanded two piastres per carpetweaver, got it and we beat them to pulp. Do you understand? There is a pause. Azdak I understand. He looks shyly about himself, then slinks away to the side, sits down on the ground, his head in his hands. The Soldiers all have a drink. The First Soldier speaks to the Third Soldier. First Soldier Just watch the fun. The First and Second Soldiers go up to Azdak and block his way. 85 Shauva Gentlemen, he's not a really bad man, in my opinion. He steals a few chickens, and now and again a hare. The Second Soldier goes up to Azdak. Second Soldier You came here so that you could benefit from the bother, didn't you? Azdak looks up at him.

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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Azdak I don't know why I came here. First Soldier Are you one of those 'comrades' who strung up the judge? And why all this blaming yourself for hanging the Grand Duke with your own hands? Azdak Didn't I tell you I let him run away? Shauva I'm witness to that. He let him run away. The Soldiers drag the screaming Azdak to the gallows. They let him go and laugh monstrously. Azdak joins in and laughs loudest. He is then unchained and they all begin to drink. The Fat Prince enters with a young man. First Soldier There it comes, the new age. There is more laughter. Fat Prince Well, friends, what is the big laugh all about? Let me be serious for a minute. Yesterday morning the princes of Georgia threw out the warmongering regime and disposed of the Governor. Unfortunately the Grand Duke himself escaped. In this hour of destiny our carpet-weavers, who have always been and ever will be discontented, had the sheer cheek to start an uprising. They even hanged our dear Illo Orbeliani. Tsk-tsk-tsk. Friends, we need peace, peace, peace in Georgia. And justice. I present to you dear Bizergan Kazbeki, my nephew, a clever man, who will become the new judge. I declare, let the people decide. First Soldier Does that mean we elect the judge? 86 Fat Prince It does, yes. Let the people put forward a smart man. Talk among yourselves, friends. The Soldiers put their heads together. Fat Prince Just keep calm, little fox, the job is yours. As soon as we've got our hands on the Grand Duke, we won't need to lick the rabble's arse any more. The Soldiers talk among themselves. Soldiers They're dirtying their trousers because they haven't caught the Grand Duke yet. We have the odd boy there to thank for that. They don't feel safe in themselves yet, that's why there's all this 'my friends' and 'let the people decide'. He even wants justice for Georgia. Still, there's nothing like a laugh, and this will be a laugh. We'll ask the village clerk, he'll know all about justice. Hey you, sharp boy – Azdak Do you mean me? First Soldier Would you have the nephew as judge? Azdak You asking me? You're not asking me, are you? Second Soldier Why not? Anything for a laugh. Azdak I get it, you want to see if he's up to the mark. Am I right? Have you a criminal nearby, an experienced one, so that the candidate can show what stuff he's made of? Third Soldier We have the doctors that attended the pig of a Governor's wife, they're down below.

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

Azdak Stop, that won't do. If the judge hasn't been appointed, we shouldn't use real criminals. He might be thick as a horse, but he has to be appointed, or the law will be violated. The law is a very sensitive being, just like the spleen. Never punch it with your fists, or death sets in. You could hang the two of them, that way the law is not violated because no judge was there. The law must be treated always with complete seriousness, because it's complete bollocks.

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87

First Soldier What are you saying? Azdak I'll be the accused for you. First Soldier You? There is laughter. Fat Prince What have you decided? First Soldier We have decided to do a test. Our good friend here will play the accused. Here is the judge's chair for the candidate. Fat Prince Unusual, but why not? (Aside.) A formality, little fox. Azdak Does anyone here know me? I am the Grand Duke. Here am accused of being warmonger. Laughable. Am saying: laughable. Have of course read oneself that war lost. At the time declared war on advice of patriots like Uncle Kazbeki. Demand Uncle Kazbeki as witness. The Soldiers laugh. The Fat Prince says affably to them: Fat Prince Quite the character, yes? Nail him, little fox. Nephew Request refused. Of course you can't be accused because you declared war – that's something every ruler has to do now and then. You're accused because you conducted the campaign badly. Azdak Nonsense. Didn't conduct it at all. Let it be conducted. Let the campaign be conducted by princes. Ballsed it up, of course. Nephew Do you deny having overall command? Azdak In no way. Always have had overall command. Told wet nurse off, even at birth. Brought up to drop shit down the shit hole. Used to commanding. Always ordered officials to rob my coffers. Officers flog soldiers only by order. Landlords sleep with peasants' wives only by strict order. Uncle Kazbeki here grew stomach only by my order.

88

The Soldiers applaud. Soldiers He's very good. Up the Grand Duke. Fat Prince After him, little fox, I'm with you. Nephew Accused, respect the dignity of the law. How can you claim princes ballsed up the war? Azdak Not enough people sent, money embezzled, sick horses purchased, drunk in whorehouse, at time of attack. Apply for Uncle Kazbeki as witness. The Soldiers laugh. Nephew Do you wish to make the monstrous claim that the princes of this land did not fight? Azdak No. Princes fought. Fought for contracts to supply war.

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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Fat Prince Hang him. Hang him. First Soldier Hold your tongue. Go on, Highness. Nephew I now pronounce verdict. Accused to be hung by the neck because war lost. Verdict spoken. No appeal. Take him away. The Fat Prince is now hysterical. Fat Prince Take him away. Azdak Princes won their war. Fat Prince Take him away. Azdak Let themselves be paid 3,863,000 piastres for horses – Fat Prince Take him away. Azdak – which were not delivered. Fat Prince Hang him. 89 Azdak 8,240,000 piastres for provisions, not provided. Fat Prince Hang him. Azdak The princes are therefore victors. War only lost for Georgia, which is not present in this court. Fat Prince That's enough. I think we can now ratify the new judge. First Soldier Yes, we can. Fetch the judge's robes down. Second Soldier climbs onto the back of Third Soldier and pulls the robes off the hanged man. First Soldier (indicating Fat Prince and Nephew) Take them away, so that the right arse sits on the right chair. He speaks to Azdak. First Soldier You come here, and sit yourself on the judge's chair. Azdak hesitates. First Soldier Sit down, man. Azdak is pushed on to the chair by the Soldiers. First Soldier The judge was always a chancer, so now a chancer should be the judge. The judge's robe is put on him and a bottle from the wicker basket placed on his head. First Soldier Look, we have a judge. Singer Now the country was in civil war, And the rulers were unsteady, Now the Ironmen made Azdak a judge, Now Azdak was judge for two years. The Singer and Musicians sing.

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

Chorus The great fire blazed, The city was blood-steeped, From out of the dark Cockroach and spider creep.

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90

In castle and church Hands were bloodstained, Dressed in robes of justice, Judge Azdak reigned. What comes easy costs money, What comes hard comes cheap. The law is like a bag of cats For those whose pockets aren't too deep. We need the sly and cunning – Azdak wears the judge's hat. Azdak enters from a caravanserai, followed by the Landlord, the long bearded old man. Shauva and a Servant drag on the judge's chair behind them. The Soldier takes up his post with their standard. Azdak Put it here. Here we'll get a breath of air and the slight breeze from the lemon grove over there. It's good to see justice done in the open air. The wind blows her skirts up and you can see what she's wearing underneath. Shauva, we've eaten too much. These rounds of inspection are absolutely gruelling. He speaks to the Landlord. Azdak This has to do with your daughter-in-law? Landlord Your Honour, it's to do with family honour. I'm making a complaint in place of my son, he's over the mountain on business. This is the stableman who's given offence, and here's my unfortunate daughter-in-law. The Daughter-In-Law, a voluptuous girl, enters. She wears a veil. Azdak sits down. Azdak I take. 91 With a sigh the Landlord gives him some money. Azdak So, now all the formalities are settled. We're dealing with rape? Landlord Your Honour, I surprised the lad in the stable as he was getting our Ludovica down in the straw. Azdak Yes, indeed, the stable. Wonderful horses. I took a great fancy to the little roan. Landlord Naturally, as my son wasn't here, I went immediately for Ludovica. Azdak is serious. Azdak I said I took a particular fancy to it. The Landlord is cold. Landlord Did you? Ludovica confessed to me the stableman had her against her will. Azdak Ludovica, take the veil off. She does so.

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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Now, Ludovica, you charm the court. Tell us what happened. She is well rehearsed. Ludovica As I entered the stable to see the new foal, the stable lad said to me, without provocation, 'It's hot today,' and he put his hand on my left breast. I said to him, 'Don't do that.' But he went on touching me in a dirty way, which made me very angry. Before I fully realised his sinful intentions, he got intimate with me. It was all over by the time my fatherin-law came and kicked me accidentally with his foot. The Landlord explains. Landlord In place of my son. Azdak Do you admit you started it? Stable Lad I do. Azdak Ludovica, do you like sweet things? 92 Ludovica Yes, sunflower seeds. Azdak Do you like soaking yourself in the bathtub for a long time? Ludovica About half an hour or so. Azdak Mr Public Prosecutor, put your knife down there on the ground. Shauva does so. Azdak Ludovica, go and pick up the Public Prosecutor's knife. Her hips swinging, she goes to the knife and picks it up. Azdak points to her. Azdak Do you see that? The way it swings? Here is the criminal element. The rape is proved. Too much eating sweets especially, too long soaking in warm water, laziness and a too soft skin, that's how you raped that poor man there. Do you think you can show off such an arse and escape the court? It's a deliberate attack with a dangerous weapon. You are sentenced to hand over to the court the little roan horse which I mentioned earlier. Now, Ludovica, you can come with me into the barn so that the court can inspect the scene of the crime. Azdak is carried by his Soldiers on the judge's chair from place to place on the Grusinian highway. Shauva drags the gallows behind him. A Servant leads the little roan. The Singer and Musicians sing. Chorus The rich kicked each other's arse, The poor were happy, They'd known times were worse Changing rich men's nappies. Through the city's lovely streets Justice turned from front to back. Who ruled the roost, who carved the meat? The people's judge, Azdak.

93

He robbed from the rich

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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And he gave to his own, His command was his wish, His word writ in stone. Protected by the rabble, No need to watch his back, Mother of his country, hail Good judge, bad judge, Azdak. Come and love your neighbour. But love him with an axe, Let your love be sour And drop the Bible tracts. The axe works wonders, Miracles are back, Despite the sermon's thunder, Drop the axe, Azdak. Azdak's chair stands in a tavern. Three Farmers stand before Azdak. Shauva brings wine. An Old Peasant Woman stands in a corner. Outside and under the open door, Villagers are spectators. An Ironman keeps guard with their standard. Azdak Mr Public Prosecutor has the floor. Shauva It's to do with a cow. The accused has had a cow which belongs to a farmer Suru for five weeks. She was also found in possession of a stolen ham. Farmer Shotoff had cows killed when he demanded that the accused pay rent for a field. Azdak I take. First Farmer / Second Farmer / Third Farmer Your Honour, it's to do with my ham. Your Honour, it's to do with my cow. Your Honour, it's to do with my field.

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Azdak What have you to say to all this, Grandma? Old Woman Your Honour, five weeks ago there was a knocking on my door, as the night was turning into morning. There was a bearded man standing outside, he had a cow and he said, 'Dear woman, I am the miracle worker, St Banditus, and since your son died in the war, I'm leaving you this cow in his memory. Look after it well.' First Farmer / Second Farmer / Third Farmer Your Honour, the bandit Irakli is her brother-in-law. He's a cattle thief. He's a brute. Cut the head off him. A woman screams outside. Restless, the Crowd shrinks back. Irakli, the Bandit, enters with a huge axe. The Farmers cross themselves. First Farmer / Second Farmer / Third Farmer Irakli.

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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Bandit A very good evening to you, dear friends. A glass of wine. Azdak Mr Public Prosecutor, some wine for our guest. Who are you? Bandit Your Honour, I am a wandering hermit. Thank you. He drains the whole glass of wine. Another. Azdak I am Azdak. He stands up and bows and the Bandit returns the bow. Azdak The court welcomes the strange hermit. Grandma, explain more. 95 Old Woman Your Honour, that first night I'd no idea the holy Banditus could work miracles. It was only the cow. Then a couple of days later, the farmer's stable lads came at night and wanted to take the cow from me. They turned back from my front door and went off without the cow, and lumps the size of your fist sprouted on their heads. I knew that holy Banditus had touched their hearts and turned them into good men. The Bandit laughs loud. First Farmer I know what changed them. Azdak Good, you can tell us later. Go on. Old Woman The next one to turn into a good man was Farmer Shotoff, Your Honour. He's a devil and everyone knows it. But the holy Banditus arranged it that he let me off the rent of the small field. Second Farmer Because my cows were killed in the field. The Bandit laughs. Azdak gives the Old Woman a sign. Old Woman Then the ham came flying in the window one morning. It hit me in the small of the back. Your Honour, I'm still lame. She walks a few steps. The Bandit laughs. Old Woman Your Honour, I ask you: when did a poor old woman get a ham without a miracle? The Bandit begins to sob. Azdak gets up from his chair. Azdak Grandma, that question hits the court in the centre of its heart. Be so kind as to sit down. Trembling, the Old Woman sits on the judge's chair. Azdak sits on the ground, with his wine glass. 96 Azdak Little mother, I nearly called you Mother Georgia,

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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Hurt, robbed, Your sons in the war, Full of hope, You weep to get a cow, Stand amazed Not to be beaten. Little mother, Judge us, Show mercy to the damned. He yells to the Farmers. Azdak You heathens, admit you don't believe in miracles. A fine on each of you of five hundred piastres for Godlessness. Get out. The Farmers crawl out. Azdak You, Grandma, and you, holy man, down a drop of wine with the Public Prosecutor and Azdak. The Singer and Musicians sing. Chorus He broke the laws like bread, He shared the laws like wine, That wine and bread he fed To the hungry and crying. Their hands at last he filled, Lifted burdens from their back, Their skipper at the helm, Good judge, bad judge, Azdak. The Singer continues. Singer Then the days of disorder ended, The Grand Duke came back, The Governor's wife came back, And a court was held. Many people died, The outskirts burned again, And fear grabbed Azdak.

97

Azdak's judge's chair stands again in the court of justice. Azdak sits on the ground, mending his shoe, speaking to Shauva. On the other side of the wall the head of the Fat Prince is carried by on a lance. Azdak Shauva, your days in servitude are numbered, maybe even the minute. For a long time I've held you in the iron trap of reason, throttled you on the ground of intellect and abused you with logic. By nature you're a weak man, and if anyone hurls a smart argument at you, you wolf it down, you can't stop yourself. It's your nature, you have to lick the hand of anyone higher up the scale. Now, since you're liberated, you can follow your own ways, and they're low. You have an unfailing instinct that teaches you to permanently plant your big boot in a body's face. The time of confusion and disorder is over. Now the Grand Duke is back in the town and me, stupid bollocks, I saved his life. The Persians have lent him an army to restore order. The outskirts of the town are still burning. Fetch me the big book I always sit on. Shauva fetches it from the judge's chair and Azdak opens it. Azdak The statute book – you can swear I always used it. Shauva You did, to sit on.

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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Azdak I'd better find out what they can burn me for. I've always let those who have nothing get away with everything and that's going to cost me dearly. I gave poverty a hand to get on its hind legs and so they'll hang me for being permanently pissed. I fingered the rich man's pockets, and that's a bad habit. I can hide from none since everybody knows I helped all and sundry. Shauva Someone's coming. 98 Azdak stands petrified, and then, trembling, he goes to the chair. Azdak Over. I'll give no one the pleasure of acting the big hero. I'll fall to my knees for mercy from you – don't leave now. I'm drowning in spit. I have a fear of death. The Governor's Wife enters with two Lawyers. Wife What is that thing? Azdak A willing one, Your Honour, one standing ready to serve. First Lawyer Natella Abashvili, the wife of the dead Governor, has just returned. She's searching for her two-year-old son, Michael Abashvili. She's received information that the child was abducted into the mountains by a former servant. Azdak Your Excellency, it will be brought back, as your order. Second Lawyer The person is said to be spreading the word that the child is hers. Azdak Your Excellency, she will be beheaded, as you order. First Lawyer That is all. The Governor's Wife goes out. Wife That man is not to my liking. Azdak follows them to the door, bowing deeply. Azdak Your Excellency, it will all be arranged as you order. As you order. Copyright © Der kaukasische Kreidekreis 1955. Große kommentierte Berliner und Frankfurter Ausgabe 30 Bände, Suhrkamp Verlag, Frankfurt am Main. Translation copyright © 2007 by Brecht Heirs. Frank McGuinness has asserted his right to be identified as the translator of this work. Enquire about performing rights in the USA and Canada at: Fitelson, Lasky, Aslan and Couture, 551 Fifth Avenue, New York NY 10176-0078, USA Enquire about performing rights for professional performances throughout the World excluding the USA and Canada at: Alan Brodie Representation Ltd, Paddock Suite, The Courtyard, 55 Charterhouse Street, London EC1M 6HA [http://www.alanbrodie.com] Enquire about performing rights for amateur performances throughout the World excluding the USA and Canada at: Samuel French Ltd, 52 Fitzroy Street, London W1P 6JR [https://samuelfrench-london.co.uk] All rights whatsoever in this play are strictly reserved and application for performance etc. should be made before rehearsals to the performance rights holder. No performance may be given unless a licence has been obtained. No rights in incidental music or songs contained in the Work are hereby granted and performance rights for any performance/presentation whatsoever must be obtained from the respective copyright owners. All materials on this Website are the copyright of the publishers or are reproduced with permission from other copyright owners. All rights are reserved. The materials on this website may be accessed solely for personal use. No materials may otherwise be copied, modified, published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without prior written permission of the publisher.

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness) by Bertolt Brecht, translated by Frank McGuinness

Scene 5 The Chalk Circle Singer Now hear the story of the case concerning the child of Governor Abashvili; To establish who was the true mother Through the famous test of the chalk circle. The court of justice in Nukha. Ironmen lead Michael in across the court and out the back. A Soldier with a lance holds Grusha back under the gateway until the child has been led away. She is then let in. With her is the Cook of the Governor's household. There is noise in the distance and the glow of fires. Grusha He's a fine boy, he can wash himself on his own. Cook You're in luck. It's not a real judge at all. It's Azdak. He's fond of the booze, and he knows nothing. He let the biggest crooks get away. Because he argues that black's white and the swanks can never pay him enough bribes, he sometimes sees our kind all right. Grusha I need luck today. Cook Let your luck hold. She blesses herself. I think I'd better say another quick rosary for the judge to be roaring drunk. She prays, moving soundless lips while Grusha looks in vain for the child. Cook I just don't understand in these times why you want such a grip on him when he's not your own. Grusha He is mine. I reared him. Cook Did you never think what would happen when your woman came back? 100 Grusha I thought at the start I'll give him back to her, and then I thought she won't come any more. Cook So a borrowed coat keeps you just as warm, yes? Grusha nods. Cook I'll swear what you like, for you're a decent woman. She memorises.

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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I was looking after him for five piastres and Grusha fetched him that Easter Sunday evening while the riots were going on. She catches sight of Simon approaching. Cook You sinned against Simon, you know. I've spoken to him, he can't understand this. Grusha does not see him. Grusha I can't worry now about the man if he understands nothing. Cook He understands the child is not yours but you're married and free no more, till death do you part – that he cannot understand. Grusha catches sight of Simon and greets him. He speaks gloomily. Simon I would like to inform the lady I'm ready to swear that I am the child's father. She answers quietly. Grusha It's right, Simon. Simon I would also like to state that by doing this, I'm not obliged in any way, and neither is the lady. Cook No need for that, she's married, you know that. Simon That's her business, and there's also no need to rub it in. Two Soldiers enter. 101 Soldiers Where is the judge? Has anyone seen the judge? Grusha has turned away and hidden her face. Grusha Stand in front of me. I shouldn't have come to Nukha. If I run into the soldier I clobbered over the head – One of the Soldiers who has brought the child steps forward. Soldier The judge is not here. The Soldiers search for him. Cook I hope nothing's befallen him. With another judge you have as much chance as a chicken has teeth in its head. Soldier There are only two old people and a child. The judge has scarpered. Other Soldier Search further. The Governor's Wife enters with two Lawyers. Wife Thank God we're spared the presence of the people. I can't stand the stink. I get a migraine from it. First Lawyer Your Ladyship, please be as careful as possible until we have another judge. Wife What did I say, Illo Shuboladze? I adore the people – they're so straightforward and sensible and so plain. It's just their stink gives me migraine. Second Lawyer

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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There won't be much of a crowd. Most of the population is sitting behind locked doors because of the bother in the outskirts. Wife Is that the tramp? She points to Grusha. First Lawyer Your Grace, Natella Abashvili, please – refrain from all name-calling until we're sure the Grand Duke has named the new judge and we're rid of the peasant one. He's about as low as any who ever have been seen in a judge's robe. And things seem to be moving fast. Look. 102 Soldiers enter the court. Cook Her Grace there would have clawed your eyes out if she didn't know Azdak is on the side of the people. He judges by the face. Two Soldiers have begun to fasten a rope to the column. Azdak is now led in in chains. Shauva comes behind him, also in chains. Soldier Making an attempt to escape, yes? He hits Azdak. Azdak, covered in blood, is panting. Azdak Give me a cloth, I can't see. Soldier What, so you want to see? Azdak Dogs – you are dogs. He wipes the blood out of his eyes with his hand. How do you do, dogs? How are you, dogs? How is the world, dogs? Does it smell like a dog? Do you have a boot to lick again? Are you chewing yourself to death again, dogs? Soldier Strip him of the judge's robe before he's strung up. They tear the judge's robes off Azdak. His ragged underwear is visible. One of them kicks him. They start throwing him one to another. During this 'ball game' the Governor's Wife has been clapping her hands hysterically. Wife I didn't like him from the instant I set eyes on him. Soldiers Do you want a pile of justice? Here it is. You take him. I don't need him. They throw Azdak to and fro until he collapses. He is then pulled onto his feet and dragged under the noose. A Rider, covered in dust, enters. He takes papers from a leather bag. He looks through them, and now he interrupts. 103 Rider Stop – I have a letter from the Grand Duke that concerns the new appointment. He yells.

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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Stand still. They all stand still. With regard to the new judge, the following is declared: we nominate a man who must be thanked for saving one of the most important lives in the country – he is called Azdak, from Nukha. Who is that? Shauva points to Azdak. Shauva The man beneath the gallows, Your Excellency. Rider What's going on here? Soldier Permission to report that His Worship has already been His Worship but he was declared an enemy of the Grand Duke. Rider Make sure His Worship faces no more attacks. The Rider exits. The Cook speaks to Shauva. Cook That one clapped her hands. I hope he saw it. First Lawyer This is catastrophic. Azdak has fainted. He is picked up, comes round and is once more dressed in the judge's robes. He goes swaying away from the group of Soldiers. Soldier Your Honour, we meant no harm. Your Honour, what do you wish? Azdak Nothing, my fellow dogs. Perhaps a boot to lick. He speaks to Shauva. 104 Azdak You I pardon. Shauva is unchained. Azdak Fetch me wine, red wine, sweet red wine. Shauva exits. Azdak Get out. I have a case to deal with. The Soldiers exit. Shauva returns with a mug of wine. Azdak drinks deeply. Azdak Something for my seat. Shauva brings the statute book and puts it on the seat. Azdak sits down. Azdak I take. Among the prosecutors a worried consultation is taking place, but at Azdak's declaration, their faces show relieved smiles. There is some whispering. Cook We're up shit creek.

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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They say 'a well can't be filled with dew'. Simon The Lawyers approach Azdak, who sits up expectantly. First Lawyer / Second Lawyer Your Honour, this is quite a ridiculous case. The party opposite abducted the child and refuses to give it back. Azdak holds out his hand, looking at Grusha. Azdak Very nice, isn't she? Very attractive. He gets more money. I declare the trial open and I ask for absolute honesty. He points to Grusha. Azdak From you especially. First Lawyer I address the high court. The common people say, blood is thicker than water. This old adage – 105 Azdak The court wishes to know what fee the lawyers are getting. The First Lawyer is astonished. First Lawyer What do you wish? Friendlily, Azdak rubs his thumb and forefinger together. First Lawyer I see, yes. Your Honour, five hundred piastres is the answer to the court's unusual question. Azdak Everybody hear that? The question is unusual. I ask it, because I hear you in a very different way when I know you're good. The First Lawyer bows. First Lawyer I thank Your Honour. Of all bonds, the bond of blood is strongest. Is there a closer tie than mother and child? Can one tear a child from its mother? I put it to the court that she conceived it in the holy ecstasies of love. She bore it in her body. Fed it with her blood. Gave birth to it in pain. One has seen how the savage tigress, if robbed of her young, will thin down to a shadow, relentlessly stalking the mountains. Nature herself – Azdak interrupts, addressing Grusha. Azdak Have you any reply to make to that or anything else your man the lawyer has to say? Grusha He's mine. Azdak Is that it? I hope you can prove it. Anyway, I advise you to tell me why you think I should give you the child. Grusha I brought him up as best as I knew how to and as I thought I should. I always found him something to eat. He had always at least a roof over his head and I brought all sorts of bother on myself for his sake. It cost me money as well. I did not once think of my own comfort. I brought the child up to be civil to everyone, and to work as well as he could, but he's still young. 106 First Lawyer Your Honour, it is worth noting that the person herself claims no bond of blood between herself and the child. Azdak The court makes a note of it.

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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First Lawyer Your Honour, thank you. Permit a mother laid low by suffering, who has lost her husband already and now fears the loss of her child, to direct a few words to you. Gracious Natella Abashvili – She speaks quietly. Wife Sir, a hideous fate forces me to ask for my beloved child to be returned. It is not for the likes of me to describe to you the agony of a mother robbed, the worry, the nights without sleep, the – The Second Lawyer interrupts. Second Lawyer It is outrageous how this woman is being treated. She is forbidden entry to her husband's palace, her income from the estate is blocked, she is told, in cold blood, that they are all due to the heir and that without the child she can undertake nothing – she can't pay her lawyers. Despairing about this interruption, the First Lawyer has been frantically gesturing to him to shut up. Second Lawyer Dear Illo Shuboladze, why shouldn't it be said that this really concerns the Abashvili estates? First Lawyer Most respected Sandro Oboladze, please – we were agreed – He addresses Azdak. First Lawyer Of course, it is correct that the outcome of this case also decides whether our client obtains the disposal of the extremely large Abashvili estates. However, I emphasise that 'also', for the main issue at stake here is the human tragedy of a mother, as Natella Abashvili has rightly stated at the beginning of her moving testimony. Even if Michael were not the heir to the estate, he would still be the dearly beloved child of my client. 107 Azdak Stop! The court is touched by the mere mention of estates. It's terribly human. Second Lawyer Your Honour, I thank you. Dear Illo Shuboladze, we can prove in any case that the person who grabbed the child is not the child's mother. Allow me to put the bare facts before the court. Through an unfortunate series of events, Michael Abashvili was left behind by his mother when she fled. Grusha, a kitchen maid in the palace, was there that Easter Sunday and she was seen busying herself with the child – Cook – while the other one was concerned only with what clothes she could cart with her. The Second Lawyer is unmoved. Second Lawyer Grusha appeared with a child in a mountain village nearly a year later and she entered into the marriage with – Azdak How did you get to the mountain village? Grusha By foot, Your Honour, and he was mine. Simon I am the father, Your Honour. Cook I looked after it for five piastres, Your Honour. Second Lawyer The man is Grusha's fiancé. I put it to the high court that he is not to be trusted. Azdak Are you the man she married in the mountains? Simon She married a peasant, Your Honour. Azdak winks at Grusha.

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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Azdak Why? He points at Simon. Azdak Is he not up to much in bed? Tell the truth. Grusha We never got as far as that. I got married because of the child. To get it a roof over his head. 108 She points to Simon. Grusha He was away in the war, Your Honour. Azdak And he wants you back now, does he? Simon I would like to say in evidence – Grusha is angry. Grusha I'm no longer free, Your Honour. Azdak And you state that the child's the consequence of whoring? Grusha does not answer. Azdak I'm asking you a question. What kind of child is this? Is he a scraggy little tinker, or does he hail from a fine family with independent means? Grusha is angry. Grusha He's a normal child. Azdak And from an early age did he possess very refined features? Grusha He possessed a nose on his face. Azdak He possessed a nose on his face. A significant answer on your part, I believe. They say about me that before making a judgement I went out and smelt the roses. You need tricks like that these days. I'll bring this to an end. I'll hear no more lies from you. He speaks to Grusha. Azdak Especially you. He speaks to the plaintiffs. I can well imagine what balderdash you've concocted to cheat me. I know your like – you're swindlers. Grusha speaks suddenly. Grusha You'd want to cut it short after having seen what you took. 109 Azdak Close your mouth. Did I take anything from you? The Cook tries to hold Grusha back. Grusha Why no – because I've nothing. Azdak Exactly. I get nothing from you hungry gits, I could starve away myself. You roar for justice, but do you want to pay? If you go to a butcher, you expect you have to pay, but with a judge you sit with your hands out clasped like it's a wake.

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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Simon speaks out loudly. Simon They say 'the horse had his shoes on, and the horse fly stuck out its leg'. Azdak eagerly accepts the challenge. Azdak 'A jewel from a sewer's better than a stone from a mountain stream.' Simon 'It's a lovely day, said the angler to the worm, will we go fishing?' Azdak 'I'm my own master, said the serving boy, and he cut his own foot off.' Simon 'I love you like a father, said the Tsar to the peasant, and he cut his own son's head off.' Azdak 'A fool is his own worst enemy.' Simon Aye and 'a fart has a nose'. Azdak A fine of ten piastres for vulgar language in court. That'll learn you what justice is. Grusha This is great justice. You have us stitched up because we can't speak as fine as the ones who have lawyers. Azdak That's true. You are too thick. It's only right you get it between the eyes. Grusha Since you want to haul the child to that wagon over there, her who's so delicate she'd panic if it wet itself, I can now see that you know no more about justice than I do myself. 110 Azdak There's something in that. I'm an ignorant man. I haven't even got a full pair of trousers on under my judge's robes. Look for yourself. With me everything goes on grub and drink – I was reared by the nuns. I'll also take a ten-piastre fine from you for contempt of court. And apart from that, you are stupid beyond belief to turn me against you like this. You should be making eyes at me instead, and shaking your arse a bit, to put me in a good mood. Twenty piastres. Grusha Make it thirty and I'd still tell you what I think of your justice, you drunken skunk. How can you sit there and lord it over me like Isaiah that's cracked in the church window? When they hauled you out of your mother, did they think you'd bite her fingers off for taking a wee bit of millet from somewhere? Aren't you ashamed to see me trembling before you? No, you've let them turn you into their servant, and that way no one will take their houses away from them – houses they themselves nicked. Since when did the houses belong to these fleabags? But you make sure they can drag our men off to their wars, because you sell out. Azdak stands up, beginning to grin. He half-heartedly knocks the table with his little hammer, but as Grusha's harangue goes on, he only beats time with it. Grusha I have no respect for you. No more respect than for a thief or a robbing murderer who does what he wants because he has a knife. You can take the child away from me. It's one against a hundred. But I tell you one thing. Your job is fit for only bloodsuckers and men who rape children. Make them do it. Make them sit in judgement over human beings. It's worse than hanging them on the gallows. Azdak sits down. Azdak Now it's thirty piastres fine. I won't go on haggling with you, as if we're downing jars of wine in a pub. Where will my dignity as a judge go? I've completely lost interest in your case. Where are the two looking to be divorced? He speaks to Shauva. 111 Azdak Bring them in. I'm setting aside this case for a quarter of an hour. Shauva leaves.

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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First Lawyer If we don't say another word, Your Grace, we have this verdict in the bag. Cook (to Grusha) You've had it with him. Now he'll give the child away. A very old Married Couple enter. Wife Smelling salts, Shauva, smelling salts. Azdak I take. The Old People do not understand. Azdak I hear you want a divorce. How long have you been married? Old Woman Forty years, your honour. Azdak Why do you want a divorce? Old Man We hate the sight of each other, Your Honour. Azdak For how long? Old Woman For forty years, Your Honour. Azdak I'll ponder on your case and pronounce judgement when I've wrapped up the other case. Shauva leads them into the background. Azdak I need the child. He waves to Grusha that she should come to him. He bends towards her in a way that is not unfriendly. Azdak I've seen that you stand up a bit for justice. I don't believe the child is yours, but woman, if it was yours, would you not want it to be wealthy? If so, you need only say it's not yours. Straight away it would have a palace, all the horses in the stables, all the beggars at the doorstep, all the soldiers in his service and all the loads of petitioners in the courtyard. Yes? What's your answer to that? Would you not want him to have wealth?

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Singer Hear what the angry woman thought now, but she did not speak. He sings. If he walked in golden shoes, He would trample those who lose, He would do harm and evil, And at me he'd laugh his fill. To turn the heart to stone, Is a task to be disowned, To grow mighty and bad Would make the good heart mad. Hunger, I hope, he fears But not hungry tears, May he fear the dark of night But not the good daylight. Azdak Woman, I understand you, I think. Grusha I won't give him away. I reared him, and he knows me. Shauva leads the child in.

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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Wife It's in rags. Grusha That's not true. They didn't give me time enough to dress him in his good shirt. Wife It's been living in a pigsty. Grusha is incensed. Grusha I'm no pig, but there is a pig right here. Where did you leave your child? Wife I'll let you have it, you trollop. She wants to throw herself at Grusha but is held back by her lawyers. 113 Wife There's a criminal. She should be taken out now and whipped. The Second Lawyer stops her mouth. Second Lawyer Your Grace, Natella Abashvili, you promised – Your Honour, it's her nerves, the plaintiff – Azdak Plaintiff and accused! The court has heard this case of yours and has no clear notion as to who is the true mother of this child. As judge, I have a duty to choose the child's mother. I will make a test. Draw a circle on the floor. Shauva, get a piece of chalk. Shauva draws a chalk circle on the floor. Azdak Put the child inside it. Into the circle Shauva places Michael, who smiles at Grusha. Azdak Plaintiff and accused, both of you, place yourselves near the circle. The Wife and Grusha come near to the circle. Azdak Grab the child by the hand. The real mother will have the strength to pull the child to herself out of the circle. The Second Lawyer adds quickly: Second Lawyer If it please the court, I object that the fate of the great Abashvili estates which are this child's inheritance should be decided on such a dubious single combat. Additionally my client does not possess the same strength as this woman who is well used to doing physical labour. Azdak Your client looks like a fine lump of a girl to me. Pull. The Wife pulls the child to herself out of the circle. Grusha lets it go and stands shocked. The First Lawyer congratulates the Governor's Wife. First Lawyer What did I tell you? Blood's thicker than water. 114 Azdak What's wrong with you? You didn't pull. Grusha I didn't hold on to him. She runs to Azdak. Grusha Your Honour, I take back what I said against you. I plead for mercy. If I could keep him until he learns all the words. He only knows a few now.

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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Azdak Don't influence the court. I'd say you know about twenty yourself. All right, I'll do the test one more time, to convince myself completely. The two Women position themselves again. Pull. Grusha lets the child go again. She is desperate. Grusha I reared him. Should I rip him to pieces? I can't do that. Azdak stands up. Azdak This way the court has decided who is the true mother. He speaks to Grusha. Azdak There's your child, take him away, I warn you not to stay with him in the city. He speaks to the Wife. Azdak You, vanish before I have you up for fraud. The estates go to the city so that a garden for children be made out of them. They need it. I proclaim it to be called after me, 'Azdak's Garden'. The Governor's Wife faints and is carried out by the Adjutant. The Lawyers have already gone. Grusha stands without moving. Shauva leads the child to her. 115 Azdak Time for me to remove the judge's robe, it's grown a bit too hot. I play the hero for nobody. Still, I invite you to a little parting dance, outside in the field. Oh, in my hurry I almost forget something. I have to carry out the divorce. Using the judge's chair as a desk, he writes something on a piece of paper. Dance music has started. Shauva has read the paper. Shauva This isn't right. You haven't divorced the two old ones. You've divorced Grusha from her husband. Azdak Wouldn't that break your heart? I've divorced the wrong ones, but that's how it stays, I take nothing back, there would be no order if I did. So I invite you to my party, if you're still in the form for a dance. You both of you owe me forty piastres. Simon takes out his purse. Simon Well worth it, Your Honour. And thanks – thanks. Azdak pockets the money. Azdak I'm going to need this. Grusha Then, Michael, we'd better get clear of this city tonight, yes? She wants to take the child on her back. Do you like him?

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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Simon takes the child on his back. Simon Permission to report that I do like him. Grusha Well, now I can tell you: I took him because I'd got engaged on that Easter Sunday. So, he is a child of love. Michael, we'll dance. She dances with Michael. Simon grabs the Cook and dances with her. The two Old People dance. Azdak stands in thought. The dancers almost hide him. One sees him occasionally, but less and less, as other couples join in the dance. 116 Singer After this evening, Azdak disappeared. He was never glimpsed again. The people of Georgia Remembered him, and remembered For a long time, The times when he was judge As a short, golden age When there was justice – nearly. The dancers dance off. Azdak has disappeared. Singer Take to heart, All you who've heard The tale of the chalk circle And what that ancient song means. What there is should belong To those who are good at it. Children to true mothers, That they may thrive. Carts to good drivers, That they may be driven well, And the valley to the waterers, So that it bears fruit. Copyright © Der kaukasische Kreidekreis 1955. Große kommentierte Berliner und Frankfurter Ausgabe 30 Bände, Suhrkamp Verlag, Frankfurt am Main. Translation copyright © 2007 by Brecht Heirs. Frank McGuinness has asserted his right to be identified as the translator of this work. Enquire about performing rights in the USA and Canada at: Fitelson, Lasky, Aslan and Couture, 551 Fifth Avenue, New York NY 10176-0078, USA Enquire about performing rights for professional performances throughout the World excluding the USA and Canada at: Alan Brodie Representation Ltd, Paddock Suite, The Courtyard, 55 Charterhouse Street, London EC1M 6HA [http://www.alanbrodie.com] Enquire about performing rights for amateur performances throughout the World excluding the USA and Canada at: Samuel French Ltd, 52 Fitzroy Street, London W1P 6JR [https://samuelfrench-london.co.uk] All rights whatsoever in this play are strictly reserved and application for performance etc. should be made before rehearsals to the performance rights holder. No performance may be given unless a licence has been obtained. No rights in incidental music or songs contained in the Work are hereby granted and performance rights for any performance/presentation whatsoever must be obtained from the respective copyright owners.

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The Caucasian Chalk Circle (trans. McGuinness)

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