Overall Rating
4.1
By Keith
Calpurnia
National Arts Centre / Centre national des Arts - Ottawa
The acting was excellent. My only issue was with the screenplay itself. Not that it was bad, it was the interpretation. To me, it seemed to be saying it is ok to behave badly if you yourself have been subjected to bad behavior. Neither is correct, of course, but this only perpetuates the problem.
By John M.
Pleasant environment ,,theatre is back
National Arts Centre / Centre national des Arts - Ottawa
My spouse and I attended a matinee performance for "Calpurnia" on Saturday May 7th and we were delighted to be back in a theatre setting at the NAC. Live theatre is always unpredictable but the venue and performers made an effort to entertain us despite the lingering uncertainties with respect to the risks associated with our pandemic situation. Kudo's to everyone involved. We definitely enjoyed our experience.
By Sue
Calpurnia
National Arts Centre / Centre national des Arts - Ottawa
This is the first time I’ve been back to live theatre since Covid and I must say Calpurnia was well worth the wait. A funny yet intensely deep look at To kill a mockingbird. I will never look at it the same. In fact I purchased the book again as I wanted to read it with new eyes.
By Amanda L
Phenomenal
National Arts Centre / Centre national des Arts - Ottawa
Copenhagen may have been the best show I have ever gone to see. Not just of shows put on by the English Theatre, but all plays. I've seen quite a few, too. The play itself is incredibly well written, and was enhanced by the acting and direction. I was completely immersed. The simple set design and dynamic lighting direction made for a wonderful experience. I love the English Theatre for its intimacy, and its tendency to bring in thought provoking plays. I truly hope Copenhagen returns to the NAC. Not only do I want to see it again, but I want to bring just about everyone I know. Incredibly poignant and powerful. I'm still thinking about the show days later.
By Disappointed
Poor Staging/Visuals
National Arts Centre / Centre national des Arts - Ottawa
This is what I sent to the NAC following the play which I left at intermission (matinee on Dec. 3: I went to the matinee performance of "Copenhagen" today and left at intermission. The play is one of my favourites as a performance and to read. However, the staging with the actors in a pit didn't work, at least from where I was sitting in the first row of the balcony. It was hard to see the actors in part because the safety bar cut them off so I had to peer between the bar and the railing -- a bit like looking through a rectangular telescope. Additionally, the piano music sometimes obscured the dialogue and the constant mist was tiresome. The NAC production of this play some years ago was immeasurably better. The welcome at the beginning would also be much better given from stage so it would look like it was given by an entire body and not just a talking head.
By Kate d
“Copenhagen” Fantastic theatre experience
National Arts Centre / Centre national des Arts - Ottawa
We went to the NAC production of Copenhagen Sunday. A tour de force of acting, directing and, of course, writing by Michael Frayn. Very intense and intelligent. The actors must have been exhausted by the end. Hats of to Jillian Kielly, Rick Roberts, Allegra Fortuna, and Jesse who played Heisenburg—helluva role.
By Char
Bad bar on balcony first row
National Arts Centre / Centre national des Arts - Ottawa
On first row in the balcony there’s a black bar that was directly in view of where the actors were standing so throughout the whole first half we had to look above or below the bar and was very uncomfortable trying to move ourselves around the bar to view the actors acting. Did not think this would be an issue when you pay for row A in the balcony but was so bad we had to move during intermission to seats behind us that had normal and better views.
By Elizabeth N
Standing ovation
National Arts Centre / Centre national des Arts - Ottawa
After starving for live theatre for nearly two years, COPENHAGEN made the wait fizzle away to nothingness. An outstanding performance by the three Actors, the tightly-knit and profound dialogue, the essential/minimalist stage, and subtle role of lighting, left my friend and I speechless. I don’t often bow to the staid NAC tradition of giving everyone a standing ovation at the end of every performance, but this time I spontaneously rose to my feet. I wish to see more of this intelligent and thought-provoking theatre, where our assumptions and stereotypes are challenged and art truly feeds the soul. Thanks to the English Theatre and Jillian Keiley for making it happen.
By Brian C
Copenhagen Opening Night
National Arts Centre / Centre national des Arts - Ottawa
An amazing performance by amazing actors in an amazing setting! What a rewarding way to celebrate the beginning of the end to the pandemic with a captivating event at the NAC.
By Charger
What a way to come back!!
National Arts Centre / Centre national des Arts - Ottawa
I had had tickets to see Copenhagen before the pandemic shut the world down. When I saw that it was finally going too go ahead I decided I would come and see it. I did not know what to expect and my reaction is Wow! What a way to come back to the stage! The performance was engaging and the delivery was flawless! Congratulations on a great production!