Opening Night in Athens

Last Night, I stayed in and watched the entire display of Greecian pride and accomplishment in the dedication to the 28th modern Olympic games. Some may say that this choreographed display of art in culture was the World's Most Ambitious Opening Ceremony but, I think it was a wonderfully executed show that celebrated the true home of the Olympics.

The ceremony started with a centaur, a mythalogical creature that was resurected in life-like detail, walking across the flooded infield. The red half-horse, half-man galloped to the center and threw a arrow or light to ignite the olympic symbol(five linked rings) into a firey glow.

Next, a boy in a paper toy boat, sailed across the giant pool to meet the Olympic officials.

After the Greek flag was raised, a lazer light spectacular started the
opening ceremony that included giant statues and acrobats. I thought the suspension of art and the unfolding of broken pieces into the stadium sky was like a dance in itself. I spent half of the show wondering how many people and how much planing must have gone into each second of the program.

The strangest addition to the show, however, was Bjork, the Icelandic singer. She wore a dress that unfolded to cover all 10,000 athletes and the entire march of nations. I think the concept of her fabric covering the "world" and mending it together under one piece of cloth was beautiful. But was it necessary for that fabric to be her dress? And the song she sang was rather ambiguous and uninspiring. Bjork added sensation to a show that had already stolen the stage with its history and culture.

Though the Olympics is a competition shared by the world, I think that the Summer Games belong in Greece. It is thier birthplace and their resurection. The year 2004 is a celebration of the Games, that bring the athletes of the world together, and the country that founded that such a honorable competition.