Copenhagen review
The theatrical performance Copenhagen is an first-rate insight to human correlation and the ins and outs of the human mind. The plot is difficult to follow and confusing at times, but this is not where Copenhagen shines, rather, its appeal comes through its deep perception of subtle differences in mind and character. The way in which people conduct themselves is on show here and is conveyed excellently through clear dramatic action and consistent performance. This play is a masterpiece in its use of dramatic elements such as use of space, role and relationship, symbolism and its manipulation of time and space. The play was performed on a stage with a two sided audience, one side was the regular seating arrangement of the theatre and the other was a double level, jury style seating arrangement on tiers behing the stage oppisette the larger audience with 16 people in total occupying these seats. The play consisted of a meeting that was believed to have taken place in Copenhagen between two scientist, Bohr and Heisenberg and Bohrs wife, Margrethe on plans of how to safely construct an atom bomb. Each scientist working for different countries and for different personal reasons. Specifically for a large proportion of non-physi
In Bohrs words, Margrethe was the nucleus and Bohr and Heisenberg were the electrons. Time and place were two factors that really were benifical for the plot only rather then the dramatical meaning. The play was based on this era however so the director has allowed for these elements in the play and has not made too much hassle out of them. By and large this performance was a success for those who looked past the quantum physics and saw the other side of Copenhagen. The time is conveyed through to the audience by dialect and costumes as the prop set up was too scarce to play around with but the constant mention of World War two the audience can relax in the comfort of the knowledge of the era. The roles and relationships developed on stage worked well for Copenhagen and were highlight of the performance. Initially it consisted of three chair arranged on the outside of a circle of lifht. Margrethe acted a sort of ajudicator and often was called apon to express her opinion on each repeat. Gaps in time were covered in symbolic repetitive scenes where the time would stop and rewind itself to the beginning of the scene and a different approach would be taken. The problem with the audience on the tiers was that the actors had to position themselves on stage so that they were not blocking either audience. cist audience members this is a look at the state of mind of those involved in the big decision making positions during war and how so many factors can equal out or tip the balance. This and the flashbacks used occasionally were well done and held the audiences focus without becoming to disjointed and confusing. Role was maintained well throughout the play and each character had a distinguishable personality that came together to create a great atmosphere for the play.
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