over the years, the olympic games have opened to fanfare, national pride, celebrations and so much more, but never have i seen anything like the opening of these Olympics in Brazil! go watch the replay — the visuals are indescribable!
unlike prior Olympics, this opening was the most political i have ever seen — from the ancestors of the indigenous people who first inhabited brazil through the first explorers to the introduction of slavery to the political divide today plus adding climate change, as well, this was an extraordinary introduction to the artistry of brazil that shows that art is not dependent on money. the dancers used simple props from silvery blue air-filled pillows that shimmered and created the ocean to the elastic green streamers that were intertwined into multiple geometric patterns to represent the growth of the rain forests.
from there, the country grew to show the evolution of modern rio — from a flying machine that the brazilians say predate the wright brothers — the show was mesmerizing. it didn’t need to be electronic — it was simple, elegant, artistic and filled with imagery that will stay within the mind as all good art does!
the opening greeting by the interim president (brazil has recently removed the elected president dilma rousseff for financial reasons) stressed the unity of all nations in times of strife and crisis. the opening also stressed the equality of all — and it was done with performances that left the commentators speechless — that, in itself, is a rare feat to have the paid talking heads absolutely quiet in stunned silence.
the refugee team received special recognition for their contribution to the games representing those who suffer yet perservere.
Vanderlei de Lima lit the torch to begin the games. de Lima was the olympic marathoner who was in first place 12 years ago but he was attacked by a spectator and, as a result, fell to third place.
there was so much more — it is impossible to do this justice — all i can say is go watch it. here is how you can see the opening ceremony here...
brazil has been the center of such speculation by the media about how they weren’t ready, how they were not up to the task. tonite proved those talking heads once again to be wrong.
i’m looking forward to seeing what is in store and to learning more about our neighbors to the south.
kudos, Brazil! what an amazing show! what an amazing statement on human rights! what an amazing introduction to your wonderful country!
brazil knows theatre and theirs, tonite, was the best i’ve seen in a long time! now, time to learn to samba!