A radical-feminist reinterpretation of Paul Hindemith’s opera, ‘Sancta’, has stirred up controversy and left audiences feeling a bit…queasy. The production, directed by the avant-garde choreographer Florentina Holzinger, has been drawing headlines for its provocative content, which includes live piercing, unsimulated sex scenes, and a cast of roller-skating nuns.
The opera, which premiered at the Stuttgart State Opera in October, features a truly bizarre and intense stage design. Naked nuns, clad in white, zoom around a movable half-pipe, while a bouldering wall of crucified naked bodies dripping blood serves as the backdrop. Adding to the chaotic scene, the show includes acts of crucifix swallowing, spanking, and a scene featuring an actress with dwarfism dressed as the Pope being spun around by a robotic arm. One of the more shocking moments involves an actress dressed as Jesus belting out Eminem tracks.
Since the premiere, 18 audience members have reportedly required medical treatment for severe nausea after attending the performance. The opera’s spokesperson, Sebastian Ebling, told the newspaper Stuttgarter Zeitung that on one night, eight people needed medical attention, while the next night 10 more required assistance, with three experiencing such severe discomfort that a doctor had to be called.
Despite the controversy and the reported adverse reactions, the remaining five shows at the Stuttgart State Opera are sold out, as are two performances scheduled for November at Berlin’s Volksbühne. Tickets for the opera have even been selling for over $300 on the secondary market.
The opera has attracted criticism from religious leaders, with Archbishop of Salzburg Franz Lackner describing the show as “seriously offensive to believers’ religious feelings and convictions.”
For those brave enough to attend, prepare for an unforgettable (and possibly nauseating) theatrical experience. Just remember to bring a bucket, because this opera is definitely not for the faint of heart.
