The Caucasian Chalk Circle by Bertolt Brecht

Grusha: A dress that devours its wearer.

For this production of The Caucasian Chalk Circle, I designed a costume for Grusha that visually embodies the theme of greed and moral conflict. The oversized, sculptural black form appears to engulf her, symbolising how greed can consume a person. The concept draws from the voluminous silhouette of Kathakali dancers’ costumes, but reimagined with distortion and abstraction to align with Brecht’s theatrical style. This design also reflects a pivotal moment in the play, where Grusha abandons her child to save her dresses—a striking intersection of survival, vanity, and human frailty.

Performer: Ella Dale

Costume: Aloma Barnes Siraswar

Movement Director: Peta Lily

Photography: Suki Lui