Turning the Page: Interpreting Copenhagen

Two new interviews are available in anticipation of Sunday’s broadcast of Michael Frayn’s ‘Copenhagen at 8.30pm on Radio 3, starring Benedict Cumberbatch.

Frayn was interviewed by Michael Sweet on Radio 3’s Night Waves earlier this week. The pair discussed the science behind ‘Copenhagen’ as well as the radio version of Frayn’s book ‘Skios’. Speculating on why Heisenberg may have visited Bohr in 1941, Frayn suggested that “one understands oneself through one’s relations with other people.” He commented that perhaps Heisenberg wanted to “see the reflection of himself in Bohr to understand himself better.”

In another interview, the Radio Times spoke with the cast of ‘Copenhagen’ during a break in the recording of of the play. Simon Russell Beale, who plays Bohr, revealed that he is ‘hopeless at the page-turning’. Beale is no stranger to radio scripts but it seems the lengthy speeches in ‘Copenhagen’ were enough to give even this highly accomplished actor a sleepless night.

Caroline Herschel Has Starring Role in New Play

The acclaimed Take the Space Theatre Company is developing a new production in 2013.‘Stella’ by Siobhán Nicholas is inspired by the lives and work of 18th century astronomers William and Caroline Herschel. The play apparently crosses time and space, also featuring a contemporary fictional astronomer Jessica Bell. 

The new production is due to start touring in June 2013. Listen to Siobhán Nicholas talking about writing the play and the many talents of Caroline Herschel in this radio interview from March 2012:

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BBC Radio 3 to Broadcast ‘Copenhagen’ in January

BBC Radio 3 will be broadcasting a new version of Michael Frayn ‘s ‘Copenhagen’ this January. Benedict Cumberbatch will play Werner Heisenberg and Simon Russell-Beale will play Niels Bohr in the new radio adaption, which is directed by Emma Harding. Greta Scacchi will play Bohr’s wife Margrethe.

Earlier in the year Prof. Jim Al-Khalili indicated on Twitter that he helped Cumberbatch prepare for the part with a special discussion on theoretical physics.

The new 90 minute ‘Copenhagen’ will be broadcast on BBC Radio 3 at 8.30pm on Sunday 13 January 2013.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/proginfo/2013/03/r3-wk3-drama-sun.html

Updated 10 January 2013:

Director Emma Harding has written a post at the Radio 3 Blog about inviting Jim Al-Khalili to the read-throughs of ‘Copenhagen’ and her interpretation of the play.

The Curtain Rises on StageScite

There are a growing number of plays that integrate some element of science, mathematics or the history of science. Some have been around for a while and are well-known and frequently discussed such as Michael Frayn’s ‘Copenhagen’ or Tom Stoppard’s ‘Arcadia’. Others are by new or emerging writers, staged for the first time in small fringe venues, seeking fresh audiences and recognition.

At StageScite we aim to draw attention to dramatic productions that integrate scientific themes or scientists. Mathematics, engineering and medicine are fair game too as well as plays about historical characters.

StageScite is based in the UK but new plays are being written and staged all over the world so please let us know about your new projects, plays and reviews or join the discussion about the classics.

The audience are seated and the house lights are dimmed so let’s raise the curtain on the opening scenes of StageScite.