Copenhagen, Denmark: August 12, 2005

10/07/2020
Travel

Interesting place. Although I do not think I was truly able to get a feel for Copenhagen because I was only there for a short time (a day and a half). But, while I was there, I noticed that more people come out at night, specifically after midnight. Copenhagen is heavily influenced by America’s style, dramatization, and overall “culture.” I use that term loosely because when compared to other countries, America really does not have a solidified culture, but rather a negative reputation and stereotype of being ethnocentric and domineering...sadly, not too far from the truth. While walking the streets, you can see 7-elevens, McDonalds, Sony, and Nike advertisements/stores decorating the streets. They dress very American. They have been too heavily influenced by the American standardization of living (trendy clothing, technologically savvy, and even fluent in American tongue - English). A transformation is occurring; no, a revolution is erupting, calling for mandatory evolution of a culture and forces the abandonment of tradition. A fine line exists between affluent and the preservation of the art of living. The indigenous people of Copenhagen have crossed that line and are dangerously close to reaching a state of Americana and all its cumulative flaws - conflict, division, violence. A mini America is growing inside Europe's womb.

While walking the streets last night, I stumbled across a live theatrical performance. It was put on by three women. They were truly amazing. They set the original stage and marked it off with tape. Then, as the story began to unfold they approached members of the audience and gave them props (a white mask that looked similar to that of the hood of a KKK member though that was not their intent). The actors were interacting with the audience and making them apart of the experience/story. What the actresses did next was honestly brilliant and powerful. Truly unique. As the story progressed, moved, and flowed, so did their stage. They continuously shifted and because the audience was so involved and mesmerized they followed immediately. The actors had complete control. I was amazed. They were that good. If a performance on the street could be so interactive and hypnotizing I can only imagine what the theater would be like inside the closed walls, though freedom will be greatly compromised in a building as opposed to the streets of Copenhagen. The world’s a stage.