CMU School of Drama


Monday, October 02, 2006

As Germans cancel Mozart opera, arts world shudders

SF Gate: "This week's suspension of a controversial production of Mozart's opera 'Idomeneo' by a Berlin opera company rides a global tide of unsettling questions about free expression, censorship, religion, ethnic sensibilities, multicultural ideals and public safety."

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

After reading this article, I think that it is more offensive to the Muslim community to believe that there might be an attack and that they might be offended that this production is taking place. What close minded thinking to simply assume that there could be a considerable number of people that would be upset enough about the production to threaten it. It is the same with any other religion or point of view, only the difference is that no one is afraid that there is going to be a reformed Christian uprising and violent attack against anyone. I would be more offended that they shut down the show than about the actual content if I were a member of that community. And also, if I were really going to be that upset about the show, there is a simple way to fix that - don't go see it. I realize that this is a very simple minded way to think about it, but this situation is just ridiculous.

- Jen Owen

Anonymous said...

Alright, so I commented on this subject last week, but I don't remember what I said. So hopefully I don't contradict my comment...or if I do, then I must have grown :) If I were the director of the show, I think it would take a lot to make me withdraw it from the Season. I don't think something such as an anonymous phone call suggesting that people were upset would be enough. Something must have happened that they are not speaking about. If not, then I think they are wasting money on something as silly as one phone call. Maybe they were advised not to talk about it, but I think that they should give some indication of the reason why they removed it, IF it was that serious of a theat (or if there was one). If this is all on speculatin alone, then I think the director should reconsider.