The Story of the White Circle

The trial will now begin to determine who the true mother is.

About the Play

Selected for the 2017 Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture Resident Company Support Program, this “road-action courtroom drama” reimagines modern theatre giant Bertolt Brecht’s The Caucasian Chalk Circle into an accessible and entertaining experience for audiences of all ages. Co-created through an extensive collaboration between Troupe Arirang and Guro Arts Valley, great care went into every step—from selecting the play to its adaptation and musical composition.

Synopsis

The battle for ‘true motherhood’ between servant girl Sun-i and the Governor’s wife, Catalina

Long ago, in a kingdom caught in an endless cycle of war and rebuilding, lived the Governor, his beautiful wife Catalina, their young son Michel, the maid Sun-i, and Sun-i’s fiancé Simon. When rebellion erupts once more, the kingdom plunges into chaos. Fleeing in panic, the Governor’s wife abandons her child. Discovering the forsaken infant, Sun-i resolves to care for him, fiercely protecting him through harrowing trials and tribulations. Two years later, with the rebellion quelled, the Governor’s wife returns to claim the child, petitioning Judge Azdak to settle the dispute. What verdict will the drunken judge deliver to Sun-i and Catalina?

Viewpoints

An Exciting Musical Drama for the Entire Family

The Story of the White Circle preserves the profound meaning and depth of the original while reimagining the story to be fresh, lively, and approachable—a family musical play that mothers and children, grandfathers and granddaughters can all enjoy and relate to together. Rhythmic, thrilling, at times comical and at times deeply moving, dynamic live music keeps pulses racing in a musical play richer and more heartfelt than a conventional musical.

A Reimagined Classic × Road-Action Courtroom Drama

Bertolt Brecht’s masterwork The Caucasian Chalk Circle continues to be staged worldwide. Young Michel stands trapped inside a drawn white circle. As Catalina and Sun-i pull on each of his hands, a dramatic trial unfolds to reveal his “true mother.” Law versus justice, conscience versus greed, truth versus sincere devotion—as this trial unfolds, what verdict would you reach?

Adaptor’s Note

The Most Delightful Road-Action Adventure — Bae Sae-am, Adaptor

My primary goal in adapting this work was to preserve the poetic density of the original dialogue while letting audiences effortlessly ride the story’s pulse through dynamic movement and music. To welcome younger audiences, grotesque imagery was boldly pared back. I aimed to fill the stage with Troupe Arirang’s signature breath-taking ensemble synergy and the open-air madang-geuk spirit that pulls the audience directly into the heart of the performance.

Director’s Note

Dreaming My Utopia Through Theatre — Kim Su-jin, Director

Everyone holds an ideal vision of the world in their heart. Through theatre, I have envisioned my own “utopia.” In this sense, Bertolt Brecht—who sought to forge a new world through the stage—has always been an idol of mine. Reading and staging Brecht’s works is always a thrilling journey. Marvelling at his intricately structured characters and dialogue liberates the imagination, opening doors to bold and boundless artistic possibilities.