Play Review: Bridge over troubled language barriers

★★★★☆☆

Walking into Bremen Teater, I was confident I would be watching a uniquely American play on Simon and Garfunkel’s rollercoaster ride through the music industry. To be frank, I was expecting an English-language play. But Peter Aude’s ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ is veritably Danish – in its humour, in its execution and, of course, in its language. And as a non-Danish speaker, I loved every minute of it.

A relaxed viewing experience
Despite the initial shock and frustration at the foreign tongue, one’s inhibitions surrounding the uptight and often overbearing feeling of the theatre all begin to melt away, letting the focus shift to the pure performative nature of the art. Instead of trying to follow every word or plotline, I kept my gaze fixed on the static feet and straight spine of Nis Pedersen’s Art Garfunkel, and the fluttering tip-toe of Morten Lützhøft’s Paul Simon across the intimate stage.

I gave into the flow and direction of the two-man performance, letting the sparse dressing room setting pull me giddily through Simon & Garfunkel’s golden years only to be crushed by their inevitable split. Though the story was nothing new to fans of the duo, the anthological exploration of their five albums in the context of the Vietnam War, the Hippie Movement and the ubiquity of drug use amongst artists gave new meaning to each song.

Reminiscing without replicating
Though I at no point felt like I was at a Simon & Garfunkel concert, I was moved by the music, as both Lützhøft’s dynamism and Pedersen’s boom brought their own unique touches into the play. It felt, quite appropriately, like they weren’t trying to be the infamous musicians. Instead they were performing the songs to set the mood of the era and to immerse the audience into the conflict of 1960s America.

I cannot stress how refreshing an experience foreign-language theatre is. The accompaniment of recognisable and superbly executed music was certainly a plus, but the ambiguity of the dialogue and plot made for a more enriching and heart-wrenching journey. I encourage you to try it out, and why not in the chic digs of Bremen Teater? Step outside your lingual comfort zone and let the show sweep you away.




  • In conversation with Conrad Molden: The man behind the mic

    In conversation with Conrad Molden: The man behind the mic

    He’s tickled our funny bone with countless wisecracks and clever wordplay, and in the process, made Denmark feel a little more personable to many expats. An international import himself, funny man Conrad Molden has successfully carved out a niche for himself on the Danish stand-up scene, but it’s taken a solid 13 years, much trial and error, and heaps of Danglish

  • Volunteer Night 2025: when volunteering rimes with integrating

    Volunteer Night 2025: when volunteering rimes with integrating

    On Wednesday, April 30, from 17:00 to 20:00, Studenterhuset will host Volunteer Night 2025, a free event organized by the organization International House Copenhagen, which goal is to ease the relocation process for newcomers in Denmark

  • The international who shaped Copenhagen

    The international who shaped Copenhagen

    Anna Maria Indrio is one of the most important architects in Denmark, having contributed to shaping Copenhagen into what it is today. Among her best-known projects are the extension of SMK and Arken, as well as the Natural History Museum and the Darwin Centre in London. She moved here 60 years ago, when “Copenhagen was gray and dormant. Predictions suggested it would become depopulated. But putting people at the center changed everything,” she said

  • Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Fees were raised to reflect processing costs and curb repeat applications, creating debate over whether the new charges erect barriers to political participation for internationals.

  • Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    According to a report by the Danish Chamber of Commerce, internationals’ contribution is 12% of the country’s GDP. In 2023, it was 322 billion DKK, and in 2008, it was 136 billion DKK. “Internationals make a gigantic difference in our prosperity and welfare,” comments Morten Langager, the Director of Dansk Erhverv.

  • Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    With half of its staff being international, the BioInnovation Institute reflects Denmark’s broader transformation into a global innovation hub. But can the country—and Europe—keep up the pace? “If reforms are made now, we can close the gap in ten years,” explains BII’s CEO

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.