German Opera Shelved Due to Religious Content

by Emily Harris, NPR

One of the leading opera houses in Germany has cancelled a production because a scene that might offend Muslims could create a security threat.

The production of the opera Idomeneo features a scene in which a character presents the severed heads of religious leaders -- including Jesus, the Buddha and Muhammad.

The Deutsche Oper in Berlin said police had warned that staging the production could pose a security risk to the opera house, its employees and patrons.

Broadcast Dates

• All Things Considered, September 26, 2006