Copenhagen: A Quantum Play

Join us for a captivating presentation of Michael Frayn's Tony Award-winning play Copenhagen

Set in 1941, Copenhagen explores the enigmatic meeting between German physicist Werner Heisenberg and his Danish counterpart, Niels Bohr, amidst the backdrop of World War II. As former collaborators now on opposing sides, they grapple with the mysteries of quantum physics and the complexities of human relationships.

Sponsored by the Yale Quantum Institute (YQI) in recognition of the 2025 International Year of Quantum Science and Technology this production marks the centennial of Heisenberg's Matrix Mechanics. Through the YQI Artist-in-Residence program, producer Florian Carle collaborates with director Vince Tycer and talented artists from Yale and UConn to bring this profound story to life.

Florian Carle, YQI Managing Director, shares, "When I created the YQI Artist-in-Residence program, bringing quantum physics to a theater production was always in the back of my mind. The QuantumCT initiative brought Vince Tycer and me together to explore how to teach quantum science to diverse learners. I could only think about one thing: Copenhagen."

Don't miss this unique blend of art and science that offers a glimpse into the minds of two iconic figures in quantum theory.

Michael Frayn’s Copenhagen

Directed by Vince Tycer
Produced by Florian Carle

Cast

• Bryan Anderson
• Halli Gibson
• Chris Martin

Light Designer

• Brennan Davies

Sound Design

• Jake Neighbors

Projection Design

• William Naraghi

Voice Coach

• Jennifer Scapetis

Stage Managers

• Aurora Courcy (for UConn)
• Claire Young (for Yale)

Costume Design

• Emma Sowards

Presented by the Yale Quantum Institute, the University of Connecticut, and Yale Schwarzman Center, in partnership with the Yale Innovation Summit. Sponsored by Yale University, Quantum CT, and the International Festival of Arts & Ideas.

Run time: 2 hours with an intermission

Featured image:

The featured artwork is an excerpt from "State of Light" by Serena Scapagnini, Artist-in-Residence at the Yale Quantum Institute, produced by Florian Carle. This piece was created in collaboration with YQI researchers and explores how quantum information is encoded in quantum devices.

When selecting a visual representation for "Copenhagen," the creative team was deeply moved by this artwork. Its soft, artistic depiction of quantum patterns reflects the imperfections and complexities of human relationships—central themes of the play. Additionally, the striking red pattern evokes the imagery of an atom, symbolically referencing the atomic bomb, a crucial topic within the narrative. This visual choice not only enhances the flyer but also deepens the connection between the play’s exploration of quantum physics and the nuanced portrayals of its characters.

The full "State of Light" artwork by Serena Scapagnini will be exhibited at the Robert B. Haas Family Arts Library during the International Festival of Arts & Ideas in June 2025, and will remain on display through Fall 2025.

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