Thanks to a special invitation from Orlando blogger Katharine, three of my friends and I were treated to the Orlando Theatre Project's interpretation of the Tony Award-winning production Copenhagen. Written by Michael Frayn, Copenhagen tells the story of physicists Niels Bohr and Werner Heisenberg (who may be best known for his uncertainty principle) and their conversation about the science of nuclear weapons in the midst of World War II.

This was my first opportunity to see a performance by members of the Orlando Theatre Project, but even by this first exposure alone it is apparent that the drive behind the performers and staff is truly one based on a love for the theatre. As the show began and the lighting gently illuminated the three stars of Copenhagen, it was clear this art would be something very different and at the same time rather interesting. From the execution of the lines to the carefully constructed conveyance of every emotion, the players and this story grabbed at the audience and drew them into a world of fear, science, morality and discovery; one that would not ease up on them until the final word was spoken, the lights raised and the performers bowed.

As the story of Heisenberg's clandestine visit to Copenhagen to chat with his friend and ex-colleague Bohr progressed, I was increasingly impressed with Frayn's ability to discuss highly scientific topics without downing the audience in technobabble as I was with the collaborative operation of Philip Nolen (Heisenberg), Doug Truelsen (Bohr) and Christine Decker (Bohr's wife, Margrethe). And even when the dialogue was forced because of the subject matter to delve into fission, atomic structure and theoretical physics, it was handled by the performers with such drive and motivation, yet at the same time very delicately so as not to loose anyone during the recounting. Even if you had no idea what the difference was between protons, neutrons and electrons, you did not feel like a child stranded on the corner after having missed his school bus. The interaction between the characters and the actors was nearly indistinguishable, an obvious outcome from a performance by talented actors who really grasped and understood the play.

I found the philosophical discussions, the scientific fact and the basic historical outline all very intriguing. The point of view of the characters is one of reflection, questioning and resolution; a point of view which I felt really helped show the audience the full picture of the chain of events. If you are at all interested in the history of the atomic bomb, World War II in general or science and physics, I highly recommend a viewing of Copenhagen. Additionally for those who live in the metro Orlando area, support the Orlando Theatre Project and their abundant talent by catching a showing. You will not be disappointed and may find yourself at future performances as well.

Copenhagen

Presented by the Orlando Theatre Project
Directed by Kristian Truelsen

Show Information

08 January 2004 to 25 January 2004
Thursday – Saturday at 08:00 PM
Sunday at 02:00 PM

General Admission: $22.00
Seniors and Students: $18.00

Location

Fine Arts Theatre at Seminole Community College
100 Weldon Boulevard
Sanford, Florida 32773

For More Information

407.328.2040
otpatscc@aol.com
http://www.otp.cc/

Just a quick note to mention I just rewrote two of the PHP scripts that run things around here. Specifically the script that runs the "My Collection" window which randomly displays a music album I own and also the title graphic at the top of every page received complete overhauls.

The "My Collection" window script is substantially lighter and uses less system resources in order to complete its task. I also added a link (view more ») which will spawn a pop-up displaying another album allowing a visitor to browse through a random sampling of my discs. Additionally, the albums that appear should theoretically be more randomised than before due to the algorithm I decided to use this time. The same goes for the title graphic with the attached tagline. I had been noticing that every so often one or neither of these items would display at all or throw an error message.

The speed increase may not be noticeable, but I am happy to have recoded these two scripts myself and hopefully increased overall site efficiency. As always if you do notice something awry, please let me know so I can check it out and beat the offender into submission.

There seems to be a new wave of spam, this time originating or purporting to originate from the political spin camps of the 2004 US Presidential candidates. Over the course of the past month or so I have noticed several unusual referrers. Upon further investigation I discovered these sites were the campaign websites for candidates such as Wesley Clark, Dick Gephardt, John Kerry and Dennis Kucinich. It is not unusual for me to find spammed referrers in my statistics, but at least they are for more traditional spam products like pornography and penis enlargement paraphernalia. If the world of politics has finally realised that the internet is a great tool in order to reach voters and possible supporters, they have simultaneously found surreptitious ways to garner attention to their movements. But then again it does seem somewhat fitting that I group politicians in the same damned bracket as porn and penises.

In other news, I am working on the new website for my side-business and am pleased with the progress I have made so far. This incarnation of Mount Sutro was the last site I developed, so it has taken me a little bit to get back into that groove. I also recreated my company logo using Adobe Illustrator 10 replacing the original I had created with Photoshop. This is my first experience with Illustrator and all I have to say is I wish I would have installed this program sooner. Day job-wise, between inventory (which came close to being a disaster) and the holiday season I have been very busy. Despite all that work has continued to be different, but enjoyable.

My New Year's plan of staying at home with a pizza and a raspberry cosmopolitan was up-surged by the request of a friend to attend the Parliament House's celebration featuring Jody Watley in concert. It was an all right time though I did get a little emotional and reflective, perhaps partly due to my having been just slightly intoxicated.

Finally, my birthday is coming up falling on a Thursday this year. This twenty-ninth I believe my plan will be to have dinner with my family and then head off to Southern Nights with some friends. This is all still very tentative and depending on my mood are subject to change at any time. I will try to get things settled in my head soon though so I can send out e-mail invitations to those who may be in town and wish to attend. Feel not badly about an inability to attend as I am sure come Friday the thirtieth I will not remember if you were there or not. Just kidding. And despite the flack I get from my mostly older friends, twenty-three is starting to feel older. I see people out at the club that I first saw when they were only fifteen and sixteen. Yuck. But oh well, unlike many people I do not (at least for now) view thirty or any other age as the seal of death.