If you thought Prymate had issues...

[emonkeygirl]

Posted: 6/28/04 at 1:17pm

This is according to Yahoo news:

BERLIN (Reuters) - An opera featuring rape, torture and masturbation, a nude bass singing an aria in the shower and a cross-dressing hero who rounds off the night by slaughtering a troupe of semi-naked prostitutes has caused a scandal in Berlin.

Mozart's "Die Entfuehrung aus dem Serail" (The Abduction from the Seraglio), one of the 18th century Austrian composer's most popular operas, is usually played as a sparkling comedy of relationships set in the grounds of a mythical Turkish palace.

The new production in Berlin's Komische Oper moves the action to a modern-day brothel where a brutal pimp keeps the women in his power through systematic rape and torture.

The opera's Catalan director, Calixto Bieito, who has seen previous productions greeted with leaflets proclaiming "Death to Bieito!" wanted to use the opera to cast a light on the plight of women exploited in the sex trade.

But the production has sparked outraged articles in the press and an initial threat from DaimlerChrysler, one of the main sponsors, to withdraw funding. Performances have been interrupted at various points by shouts from the floor as patrons have walked out in disgust.

"How filthy can theater be?" asked Germany's top selling daily newspaper Bild.

In between bouts of simulated sex with the prostitutes who lounge about the set, one of the characters urinates on stage and slashes a helpless woman as another looks on in terror.

The heroine Konstanza cowers in a cage as the villainous Selim Pasha sticks his hand down her pants and makes a series of repulsive threats in spoken asides inserted into the text.

Meanwhile her beloved Belmonte arms himself with a handgun and, helped by his tattooed manservant, slides into high boots and a tight dress to infiltrate the brothel.

On opening night, a voice from the audience answered the explosion of gunfire as Belmonte slays first the prostitutes and then their keepers with the cry "Now for the director!"

But supporters point out that behind Mozart's dazzling score, the text of the opera is a very dark one laced with threats of beheading and impalement and the production makes a powerful point about violence, oppression and sex.

Performances have been well attended since the run opened last week and warmly applauded by those who did not walk out, with several people bringing along opera glasses to follow the action more closely.

[Corine2]

Posted: 6/28/04 at 1:37pm

Sounds great.
Get me two tickets(NOT)

[SonofMammaMiaSam]

Posted: 6/28/04 at 1:51pm

But, are there puppets?

************************************************
I nearly shot when I saw it!

[Unknown User]

Posted: 6/28/04 at 1:58pm

I hear the American production will star Kristen and Idina.

[South Fl Marc]

Posted: 6/28/04 at 3:08pm

I love opera, but Die Entfuehrung aus dem Serail has never been a favorite, and would never bother attending a performance of it unless the singers were incredible. I might change my mind for this production. Sounds like it would be an interesting night at the opera.

[emonkeygirl]

Posted: 6/28/04 at 3:20pm

Yes, I think interesting might be an adjective I'd use...

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 6/28/04 at 3:30pm

Sounds like typical german theatre. Shock theatre in Germany is nothing new. I'm surprised they balked at it.

[redhotinnyc2]

Posted: 6/28/04 at 3:31pm

It actually sounds very interesting to me.

[bstndiva]

Posted: 6/30/04 at 11:14am

That sounds disgusting. I am so over shock theatre. "Prymate" was trash and this sounds like it is also.

[mominator]

Posted: 6/30/04 at 1:11pm

Read something about this yesterday. All I could think was " yep that's Mozart!" What a kinky little guy.
B
(oops can I use the k word?)

[Unknown User]

Posted: 6/30/04 at 1:59pm

And to think the last Entfuhrung I saw, all Belmonte said was "Golly!"

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 6/30/04 at 4:01pm

But, the major issue here is - will there be any male nudity?

[Matt_G]

Posted: 6/30/04 at 4:08pm

I must see this show.

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 6/30/04 at 4:20pm

You know what would aslo be shock theatre in Germany: THE PRODUCERS

"Frühjahr für Hitler und Deutschland!"

[Matt_G]

Posted: 6/30/04 at 4:27pm

I wonder if this show stars Cartman's Mom...

[bstndiva]

Posted: 6/30/04 at 6:21pm

I'm with you catsnyrevival. I'm all about seeing good looking guys take off their clothes but Chippendales would be alot more civilized.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 6/30/04 at 7:56pm

I'd love to see this company do the Ring Cycle....

[dramaqueen]

Posted: 6/30/04 at 8:08pm

oy=i say that a lot-and i beleive it sys a lot-oy

[Unknown User]

Posted: 6/30/04 at 8:11pm

I say bravo to what they're doing. The last thing I want to see is a tired old revival of an opera with the same set, costumes and staging that my grandparents saw. I love nothing more to see a director play around with the "untouchable," particularly Mozart. I saw a production last fall of La Finta Giardiniera set in a mental institution, and it was absolutely fascinating.