Stuttgart. Real blood and sex: That was too much for the audience at the Stuttgart State Opera. 18 people had to be treated, many for nausea.
Despite an age rating of 18 and over and bold warnings, a current revealing and bloody opera performance in Stuttgart is leaving its mark on more sensitive visitors. During the first two performances of Florentina Holzinger’s “Sancta,” the visitor service looked after a total of 18 people, some of whom complained of nausea, said State Opera spokesman Sebastian Ebling. In three cases a doctor had to be called in. Previously the “Stuttgarter Nachrichten” and the “Stuttgarter Zeitung” reported.
Holzinger has been causing a stir in the theater world for years with her works, in which she radically and freely stages female bodies, incorporates painful stunts and doesn’t shy away from trash. In “Sancta” she brings lesbian love scenes to the stage with provocative clarity, ridicules Christian rituals and denounces the sexual oppression of women.
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The State Opera also informs that spirituality, sexuality, but also criticism of religion and a critical view of religious and social violence are the focus of the performances. “Exploring boundaries and crossing them with pleasure has always been a central task of art,” the opera quotes its artistic director Viktor Schoner as saying.
Opera house expressly warns against blood and violence
The house warns on its Homepage but also expressly that the performance of the scandal-ridden Austrian performance artist shows explicit sexual acts as well as depictions and descriptions of sexual violence. Real blood as well as fake blood, piercings and a wound can also be seen. Strobe effects, volume and incense would also be used.
The opera recommends the performance to audiences who are “daringly looking for new theater experiences,” as it says on its homepage. However, in addition to the use of some theatrical means, performance art is “not fake, but real,” said Ebling. In the case of the sexual violence shown in “Sancta”, the house explicitly warns against retraumatization.
The Shocking Reality of Art: “Sancta” at the Stuttgart State Opera
As I read the news article about the recent performances of Florentina Holzinger’s “Sancta” at the Stuttgart State Opera, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of emotions – shock, intrigue, and a dash of concern. The report stated that 18 people had to be treated for various health issues, including nausea, during the first two performances of this opera, despite the age rating of 18 and over and bold warnings [[1]].
At first glance, it’s easy to react with surprise and even disgust at the idea of real blood and sex being part of an opera performance. However, as I dug deeper into the context of “Sancta,” I discovered that it’s not just a provocative show; it’s a complex and multifaceted work that combines Paul Hindemith’s opera “Sancta Susanna” with sacred works and new compositions [[1]].
The production team, including Florentina Holzinger, is set to discuss the concept and inspiration behind “Sancta” in an introductory matinee prior to the premiere [[2]]. This event will likely provide a deeper understanding of the creative vision behind the opera and how it connects with the audience.
Furthermore, the Staatsoper Stuttgart has scheduled a performance of “Sancta Susanna” on November 2, 2024, which suggests that the opera is not a one-time event, but rather a production with a planned run [[3]]. This implies that the creative team and the opera house are committed to showcasing this work, despite the initial controversy.
As a blog news writer, I believe that the controversy surrounding “Sancta” raises important questions about the role of art in society. Should art be shocking and provocative, or should it be comfortable and palatable? Can we appreciate the artistic value of a performance that pushes boundaries and challenges our expectations?
While the incident at the Stuttgart State Opera is undoubtedly concerning, it also highlights the power of art to evoke strong emotions and spark conversations. In an era where entertainment can often feel formulaic and predictable, “Sancta” is a refreshing reminder that art can still be bold, daring, and thought-provoking.
Ultimately, whether or not “Sancta” is a good fit for every audience member is a matter of personal taste and preference. However, as a society, we should embrace the opportunity to engage with challenging and innovative art, even if it makes us uncomfortable. By doing so, we can foster a more vibrant and dynamic cultural landscape that celebrates creativity and diversity.
References:
[[1]]https://www.staatsoper-stuttgart.de/en/schedule/calendar/2024-12/?scrollTo=2024-12-20
[[2]]https://www.staatsoper-stuttgart.de/en/schedule/a-z/introductory-matinee-/
[[3]]https://www.operabase.com/productions/sancta-susanna-259069/02-november-2024/en
