Posted on 10/12/2006 9:54:10 AM PDT by white trash redneck
BERLIN (EJP)--- Deutsche Oper Berlin has said that it might stage the controversial production of Mozart’s opera Idomeneo in December at the earliest after it did a u-turn on its decision to cancel the opera for fear of upsetting Muslims.
The Berlin opera house had faced condemnation from German politicians and critics alike, who had accused it of "self-censorship" and kow-towing to violent radicals when it announced last month that it was not going to stage the planned production.
Opera house spokesman Alexander Busche said: "The earliest slot for the production is in December, but first we need an okay about security from the police."
Mozart’s opera tells the story of a king who makes a pact with the Greek mythological god Poseidon. The king promises that he will kill the first person he sees if he is saved from a fierce storm. He is saved but then meets his long-lost son whom he eventually must offer as a sacrifice.
First staged in 2003, the production has a scene devised by Director Hans Neuenfels that is not in the original Mozart opera and that shows the hero laughing at the severed heads of the Prophet Mohammed, Jesus Christ, Buddha and the Greek god Poseidon.
Officials, who had feared that the scene could provoke an angry reaction from extremist Islamic groups, announced that they were cancelling the opera.
Germany's opera-loving Chancellor Angela Merkel attacked the move, as did other politicians. Critics argued that the production should go ahead not merely out of concern that the opera was exercising censorship on its own but also to provoke social debate.
Critics also pointed out that the scene was not specifically anti-Islamic but constituted a denunciation of all religions.
Peter Ramsauer, head of the Bavarian Christian Social Union (CSU) in parliament, said: "This is an act of pure cowardice". Meanwhile, Interior Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble said: "We will tend to become crazy if we start to forbid Mozart operas from being performed. We will not accept it."
Deutsche Oper director Kirsten Harms said at the time that she had taken the decision following a phone call from a top Berlin police officer who had warned her of dire consequences if the opera house staged the production.
"If I had paid no attention and something had happened, everyone would rightly have said that I had ignored the warnings," Harms said.
Within days, though, the opera house said that it would be staging the production after all, although no date has yet been set.
When it does go ahead, though, officials at the Deutsche Oper Berlin say that they are expecting to have a heavy police presence around the theatre and that demonstrations will be a strong possibility.
demonstrations will be a strong possibility
Sounds like a target-rich environment.
If it was not in the original Mozart, why should this Neuenfels put it in? It's pretty far-fetched anyway, since none of the four decapitated people are alive.
No one worried about Christians, Buddhists and ancient Greek pagans getting violent. I wonder if that says something about everyone's expectations about the "Religion of Peace"?
"Let the little dhimmis stage the play...this month. In a few years, there will be no plays to stage. Allahu akbar!"
Maybe for the same reason that Serrano fellow put the crucifix in a jar of urine? Point is (as poster #3 says) that even though Christ and Buddha are being depicted similarly, only the muslimes are getting their panties in a wad.
On the one hand, what you're saying is like saying it'd be okay to paint the Mona Lisa topless. On the other hand, what I'm saying is, manipulating an original is NOT ART.
"Euroweenie?"
Bwahahahahaha --!
And, here's the big deal -- Austria is celebrating a 100th anniversary re: Mozart. Why bastardize his work, AND on his birthday?
Why should the director pi$$ on his audience this way by including his personal opinions, which were NOT in the original opera, and which he knows are guaranteed to offend? Esp. since his company is probably receiving public funds.
Somebody's gonna be "offended."
Gee, think he's gay?
Um...Jesus is very much alive, thanks.
I meant in the physical world. I have no problem with what you're saying, though. :o)
You are absolutely correct. It's why those of us who study music learn performance practice. This has to be the stupidest idea I have ever heard. But then all European operatic productions today become downright freakish.
If you want to hear a good Idomeneo, I have to say either Pavoratti or Domingo are the best. Hopefully the Met will maintain its high standards.
btt
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