Puberty: the battleground that defines us all – it is quite literally the period that makes us into who we are today. Few emerge from this time of hormonally-driven high emotions and emotional highs unscathed. From BO worthy of a declaration of martial law to late bloomers with bigger boobs than any of the class had ever envisaged, it’s a period of our lives that few will ever forget, and even fewer want to relive. Still, that didn’t stop award-winning director Heinrich Christensen drawing from his own experiences to create one of Denmark’s most popular ever plays, Opsang, which for just two nights only is being performed in English by the Mungo Park theatre group next Thursday and Friday.
Lecture, the name of the English version of the 2008 original, according to Mungo Park’s communications manager Katrina Schelin is an excellent opportunity to grab a glimpse of some of the best of Danish youth theatre. “Copenhagen’s English-speaking teenagers and their parents will have the chance to experience one of the most successful Danish theatre performances aimed at young audiences,” she told InOut. “Lecture is a play for teens and grown-ups, teachers, parents and anyone who wants to understand and laugh at teenagers, themselves and at the role they play in the teens’ lives.”
Mungo Park, which has played a significant role in modern Danish theatre over the last two decades, features a youthful and vibrant ensemble of actors, directors, playwrights and stenographers. Founded in 1985, the theatre currently stages an average of 400 performances a year, appealing to an audience of approximately 40,000 viewers. In the spirit of embracing controversial and innovative topics, Mungo Park’s productions tend to be thought-provoking, addressing compelling and relevant political and literary topics.
The central themes in Lecture are adolescence and the seven deadly sins – a powerful combination that is bound to amuse, shock and entertain. Quite honestly, who among us cannot see a connection between the teenage condition and wrath, greed, sloth, pride, lust, envy and gluttony? If one really thinks about it, themes like good versus evil, temptation, sin and redemption are perfectly linked to puberty and post-pubescent life.
As well as appealing to teenagers across the spectrum, this play will be of interest to anyone who enjoyed or endured – depending on the individual’s point of view – the ‘age of rebellion’. The play incorporates humour with live musical performances, featuring the popular genres of hip-hop and rock. Laced with sarcasm and clever slapstick, Lecture aims to engage the audience in serious topics concerning the realities of being a teenager. Funny, yet poignant, Lecture provides food for thought, both for teens and those of us who have crossed over to adulthood.
English-speaking teens will especially enjoy this play as it presents them with an opportunity to better understand a part of Danish culture that directly concerns them. They can learn more about Danish adolescent lifestyles, issues and ideals, allowing them to better contextualise their own culture, in light of that of the Danes.
Anyone who has survived puberty and its blessings and curses is also in for a treat. Lecture is a fun and original way to not only understand teenagers, but also engage with them in an environment created for them. It has the potential to open up dialogue regarding both Danish and adolescent cultures.
Lecture
Mungo Park theatre, Fritz Hansens Vej 23, 3450 Lillerød;
Performances Thu Jan 19 and Fri Jan 20 at 20:00;
Tickets 195-230kr, under-25s 120-155kr, groups (min six people aged under 25) 35kr
