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Author
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Topic: Fear of religious extremists causes opera cancellation
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EmmaG
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 12605
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posted 26 September 2006 09:41 AM
BBC: quote:
A Berlin opera company cancelled a Mozart production over security fears because it features the severed heads of the Prophet Muhammad and Jesus.
Deutsche Oper said "incalculable" security risks would be posed by staging Idomeneo. "We know the consequences of the conflict over the (Muhammad) caricatures," the opera company said in a statement. "We believe that needs to be taken very seriously and hope for your support." The opera was staged in Berlin in 2003, drawing criticism over a scene where the king presents the heads of Greek sea god Poseidon, Muhammad, Jesus and Buddha. The director, Kirsten Harms, said security officials had now warned of possible problems if the production went ahead, and that it was in the best interests of performers and opera-goers to cancel it.
From: nova scotia | Registered: May 2006
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Geneva
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 3808
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posted 27 September 2006 08:45 AM
quote:
Originally posted by jeff house:
I know that it would be easy to show the severed head of Jesus on network tv. Those Muslims are so sensitive.
clearly you are not a Madonna fan;
remember, this is inside, at a paid artistic event Q. where is the line between discretion and self-censorship?
A. wherever it is, we are there
From: um, well | Registered: Feb 2003
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EmmaG
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 12605
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posted 27 September 2006 12:21 PM
quote:
Originally posted by John K:
I'm pretty sure the beheaded gods were not part of Mozart's original production, but were added in 2003 as an epilogue by a German composer.I'm all for free expression, but in today's highly charged political climate, isn't mounting this particular version of Mozart's work a bit like yelling fire in a crowded theatre?
Why and how are using religious figures in an artistic way like yelling fire in a crowded theatre???
From: nova scotia | Registered: May 2006
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jeff house
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 518
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posted 27 September 2006 12:40 PM
I think the principle of freedom of speech requires the state to permit any statement whatsoever, and to refuse absolutely to censor anything even if doing so prevents a riot.For example, I believe I could start a riot in many places in the United States, or elsewhere, by pissing into Jesus' wounds or similar activities. . I could construct a reason for doing so; ie. as a protest against the Pope, or whatever. In theory, the local sheriff would stand there and protect me. However, I won't be doing that. The reason is not primarily fear, but rather a respect for the deeply-held values of others. It may be that the Germans are refusing to exhibit Mohamed's head on a pike because they think that it is extremely offensive, and doesn't make much of a point anyway. In a free society, nothing should be done out of fear. But every insensitive act doesn't become heroic just because you can gaod people into reacting.
From: toronto | Registered: May 2001
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