Copenhagen
Atomic warfare is, and always has been, at the mind of the world's population. So many questions left unanswered, and some still undiscovered. But do we know what really happened at the meeting between Bohr and Heisenberg, two atomic physicists who met during world war two. This is the focus of Michael Frayn's play, Copenhagen.By replaying the situation a number of times from different viewpoints, Frayn attempts to show what occurred at the meeting. However, although the audience leaves without knowing what actually happened, they leave with a performance to remember. It is memorable for the use of the stage space, the believable characters played by the actors and the way different times are suggested.By far, the most memorable event in the play would be when the nuclear bomb went off. Lights went everywhere, strobes flashing on the audience. The stage was of circular design, so there were lights following the paths of the electrons and protons in an atom. It was very interesting to see how science can be demonstrated so well in a dramatic form. The actors used each other and the space in cooperation to tell their version of the story. One of the actors would sit in a chair located at the
In conclusion, although the play never really told the audience what happened at the meeting of Heisenberg and Bohr, the audience will leave having seen science at its best dramatic form. The lounge room had two chairs at one side of the stage, and one on the opposite side for the guest - simple, but effective! The dining room was portrayed by having two chairs at the 'heads' of one imaginary table, with one chair at the side. He would often set Bohr (John Gaden) of in circles to 'orbit' the nucleus, Margretha (Jane Harders), in order to explain his theories and mathematical intelligence. centre of a circle, symbolizing the nucleus, whilst the other two actors orbited around whilst they explained what was happening with physics or about developing U235 from U238. The terraces were similar to that of a jury, looking down and judging the characters and about their topic of conversation or what they're planning. The moment showed confidence and determination, a very active man who knew his stuff! Bohr, on the other hand, seemed to be of a calmer nature. During the performance, there were two different places suggested, inside Bohr's house and 'around the block'. The only time Bohr wouldn't be sitting down was when he was either in an argument with Heisenberg, telling his story or out on a walk. Their stands appeared to complete the 'circular' pattern of the audience's seating. Whenever either Heisenberg or Bohr left an open space for a witty comment to be made, Margretha grabbed it! She seemed, to me, to be the peacemaker of the play. Most of the story took place in Bohr's house. Margretha seemed to be in her own little world that explored the subtext of the play. I would've guessed that it was night-time because of the purple light, also by the dim light in the house. When Bohr was standing up it showed supremacy over Heisenberg. Heisenberg, played by Robert Menzies, showed his understanding of physics by demonstration.
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Acceptance Essays
