Radical feminist Opera ‘Sancta Susanna’ sparks controversy with graphic content, 18 people nauseous

A radical feminist opera, "Sancta Susanna," has been causing a stir in Stuttgart, Germany, with its explicit content, including lesbian sex scenes, crucifixions, and bloody gore. The one-act show, composed by Paul Hindemith, has been deemed too blasphemous by critics and has left 18 attendees requiring medical attention, including three treated for excessive nausea.

The opera, reimagined by extreme performance artist Florentina Holzinger, aims to present a "radical vision of the Holy Mass," pushing the boundaries of traditional opera. The show features an all-female cast portraying nuns who shed their habits to rollerblade in the nude, and incorporates a blend of classical music with contemporary genres.

The show's artistic director, Viktor Schoner, defended the opera, stating, "Exploring boundaries and crossing them with pleasure has always been a central task of art." 

However, critics have raised concerns about the necessity of the graphic content, with Austrian theology professor Jan-Heiner Tück complaining that the "fixation" on nuns and sexuality is an "old fad." 

Despite the controversy, organizers have insisted that the show will continue its run, asserting that reactions such as fainting are not uncommon in theatrical settings. The show's team has also defended the inclusion of nudity, arguing that performance art often diverges from traditional theater, using the body for more than character representation.

The show will run at Stuttgart State Opera through Nov. 3, with most performances sold out.