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The Week in Germany: Culture

October 6, 2006

Berlin Opera to Go Ahead with Controversial Idomeneo Performances

After a wave of criticism from the media and politicians for its decision to cancel performances of Mozart’s Idomeneo, the Deutsche Oper Berlin has announced that it will reinstate the opera, but has not set a date for the performances, as reported by dpa.

In the Deutsche Oper repertoire since 2003, Idomeneo performances scheduled for November were cancelled amid fears that scenes inserted by director Hans Neuenfels that feature the prophet Mohammed’s severed heads could provoke protests by Muslims.

Although the opera did not receive any threats of violence or protest, spokesperson Alexander Busche said that extra security measures will be instated for the performances. “The earliest slot for the production is in December,” he said, “but we need an okay about security from the police.” If there are demonstrations outside the theatre, city police will stand guard.

Links:

Modern Version of Mozart Opera Cancelled in Berlin Amid Fears of Islamic Backlash (from TWIG, September 29, 2006)

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