And then it was time for the long waited opening ceremony of the 2012 games. I was looking forward to it, as I knew it was directed by famous British film director Danny Boyle. I was not sure what it meant, but I had high expectations for it. The ceremony focused on British history and was highly criticised. In a way, that is a very superficial way to look at it. Volunteers from all over were involved, recalling the slogan of this edition of the games: inspiring a generation. Many also made the mistake of comparing it to Beijing's opening. The two events had very different aims and different themes, they were held in two completely different countries. The ceremony held here, in London, was closer to a play or a musical, with modular sets, actors and singers. Beijing's aimed at a more spectacular approach, with drums, lighting effects and beautiful choreographies.
Above: a shot from the Beijing ceremony, 2000 drummers play creating a light choreography.
The ceremony went through the history of England in the first half, starting out from farms, then covering the Industrial Revolution, until today. Afterwards there was a bit in the middle with sketches and gigs by famous british actors and bands. And then, the grand finale. After all the participating Nations were introduced, Thomas Heatherwick made them all part of his sculpture-cauldron: the copper petals that represented the participating Nations, and that each of them carried, were placed on top of metal stems. And at the end, the stems closed, finally creating the olympic cauldron.
Above: Mr Bean and our adventurous Queen.
Above: the set switching from countryside to industrial, until one of the olympic ring is forged.
Above: Thomas Heatherwick's cauldron.
As much as I enjoyed the first part, the cauldron was the most meaningful thing in the ceremony. Many criticised it saying that the past ones were better or more interesting, but I just cannot agree on this one. The union of the petals, representing different Nations, summed up beautifully the meaning of the Olympics. The sculpture blooming, symbolizing the beginning of the games. After an entertaining, yet very british and patriotic beginning, something that brought back the real spirit of this event, was needed.
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