Opening Ceremony a breath-taking blend of tradition and modernity

By S. Thyagarajan

SYDNEY, SEPT. 15. Like a pleasant dream on a midsummer night it unfolded, setting the tone and tenor for the first Olympiad of this century. The Opening Ceremony for the 27th Games at Stadium Australia tonight presented an enchanting vista, that was truly multi-dimensional. The dynamics of it lay in the ingenuity and imagination of those who conceptualised the cause and effect of a programme to a television audience exceeding four billion across the globe.

Consciously crafted to make the carnival an emotional experience and an exhibition of aesthetics, the three-hour presentation projected the rich and variegated tapestry of Australia's history, culture and folklore, and the very ethos of a nation, proud of its sporting achievements.

On the whole, the programme was educative, evocative, exhilarating and, in some aspects, exemplary. Breath-taking was the blend of tradition and modernity, which came in an exotic panorama, of colour, costume and choreography. In short, everything about it was distinctly memorable and memorably distinctive.

And, when it concluded with the star aboriginal athlete, Cathy Freeman, lighting the Olympic flame, the impact was stunning and the message it conveyed to the world was clear enough.

Meticulously planned and majestically projected in a method that was magnificent there was never a dull moment. Thematically, it was built around the fantasy of a young girl falling asleep on a sea shore. And the programme primarily showcased her wanderings in the world of dream, incredible and incomprehensible in its range and complexities. Every item conveyed an idea and each was fascinating as the other. Supporting every sequence was the music, vocal and instrumental, that was melodious, mellifluous and jazzy.

As always the ceremony came in two segments, the protocol part sandwiched between spectacle and entertainment. The parade of athletes, headed by Greece, consumed quite a bit of time, what with 199 countries participating. The Indian contingent, many of whom were unidentifiable in the turban, was led by tennis ace and bronze medallist at the last Olympiad, Leander Paes.

There was a special chorus of approbation when the two Koreas, South and North, marched in one group. Even the IOC President, Mr. Juan Antonio Samaranch, stood up to wave to the Koreans for this remarkable gesture of bonhomie, upholding the spirit and sanctity of sport.

The athletes from East Timor participating under the IOC flag also drew an appreciative response. But, predictably, the biggest cheer was reserved for the home team of 600, led by basketballer Andrew Gaze. The athletes were welcomed with a beautiful duet ``Dare a Dream'' rendered by Olivia Newton John and John Farmham.

Mr. Michael Knight, President, Sydney-2000, in his welcome speech observed, ``the enthusiastic reception from the crowd here tonight expresses more eloquently than any words of feeling that Australians have for the athletes of the world.'' He added, ``the Australians love sport and we admire outstanding skill and courage. We honour your sacrifice and struggle, your dedication and commitment.''

In a brief speech, Mr. Samaranch said, ``I would like to express our respect to those who have made Australia what it is today - a great country, with a special tribute to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The Olympic Games are unique. They unify men and women of all origins and creed. The contribution of sport for the understanding and unity of our society is unique. Sport is also an essential part of education which is the real wealth of any country in the world.''

Sir William Deane, Governor-General of Australia, then declared the Games open. Even as Ms. Vanessa Amorosi burst into the theme song, ``Heroes are ever,'' a huge white silk flag slid from the Southern stand of the stadium, and covered the entire gathering of athletes in the midfield.

What a touching moment it turned out for all when the famous eight stars - Bill Roycroft (equestrian), Murray Rose (swimming), Liane Tooth (hockey), Gillian Rolton (equestrian), Marjorie Jackson-Nelson (athletics), Lorraine Thurlow (swimming), Michael Wenden (swimming) and Nick Green (rowing) - carried the Olympic flag to be hoisted at the northern end of the stadium. As the flag went up the mast, the strains of the Olympic hymn composed in 1896 by Spyrou Samaras, filled the air.

Rechelle Hawkes, hockey star, read the oath which included a new reference to doping and drugs. Mr. Peter Carr took the oath on behalf of judges and officials.

Excitement touched a new high when the torch made its final journey towards the venue. Betty Cuthbert, the heroine of the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne, entered from the southern side in a wheel-chair pushed by Raelene Boyle. Dawn Fraser, Shirley Strickland de la Hunty, Shane Gould and Debbie Flintoff-King, each as famous as the other, followed.

The large proportion of women was to emphasise the growing number on the distaff side. Women constitute as much as 42 per cent this time. The last torch-bearer was Herb Elliott, gold medallist in the 1960 Olympics in Rome and then ended the long awaited suspense.

As Cathy Freeman climbed the stairs with torch in hand the stadium stood stupefied for a moment. She walked up, entered a sheet of water and lit the flame. As the tongues of fire leapt up towards the sky, the moment signalled the launch of another great sporting spectacle. The rig slowly pulled up to the brazier even as the crowd, soaked in emotion followed the path as though watching a UFO.

At the start, hundreds of men and women on horseback and in full gallop set the stage for a perfect extravaganza. After circling the stadium, they came in the shape of Olympic rings to the spontaneous cheers. Ms. Julie Antony sang with feeling the national anthem creating a splendid atmosphere. Earlier, there was a moving rendition of the famous ``Waltzing Matilda'' by John Williamson.

But the little girl, Nicki Webster, arguably the heroine of the evening, won the day with a sterling performance. The ``Deep Sea Dreaming'' formed the core of the entire programme and every other number that followed was as inspirational. ``Awakening'' was another item that probed the tribal past of the country, fittingly perhaps in the wake of the discussion generated by aboriginal rights once Sydney came into focus as the Olympic city.

``Tin Symphony'' was eye filling, for the rhythm and gusto portrayed by the participants. ``Arrivals'' underlined the integration of the multi-racial society of Australia and when the participants came in the formation depicting the geography of the country there was a chorus of ovation.

Everyone connected with the ceremony can now look back on having performed a wonderful job. Truly, it was a night to remember.

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