Lions - lots of lions

BERLIN - A leading opera house canceled a 3-year-old production of Mozart's "Idomeneo" that included a scene showing the severed head of the Prophet Muhammad, unleashing a furious debate over free speech.

In a statement late Monday, the Deutsche Oper said it decided "with great regret" to cancel the production after Berlin security officials warned of an "incalculable risk" because of the scene.

After its premiere in 2003, the production by Hans Neuenfels drew widespread criticism over the scene in which King Idomeneo presents the severed heads not only of the Greek god of the sea, Poseidon, but also of Muhammad, Jesus and Buddha. The disputed scene is not part of Mozart's original staging of the 225-year-old opera, but was an addition of Neuenfels' production, which was last performed by the company in March 2004.

"We know the consequences of the conflict over the (Muhammad) caricatures," Deutsche Oper said its statement announcing the decision. "We believe that needs to be taken very seriously and hope for your support."

My first reaction, of course, was.. what the fuck are these people doing altering a Mozart opera? Truly.. if there is any tragedy in this story, that has to be at the top. Still, I'm rather conflicted because I support the metaphore of the cutting off of the head of religion.

It's yet another example of religion suppressing free speech. I'm still holding out for my Christian versus Muslim gigantic cage match.. where they essentially annihilate each other.

The mayor of Berlin said it best;

"with all understanding for the concern about the security of spectators and performers, I consider the decision of the director to be wrong.

"Our ideas about openness, tolerance and freedom must be lived on the offensive. Voluntary self-limitation gives those who fight against our values a confirmation in advance that we will not stand behind them."

The mayor is Klaus Wowereit..



... who just happens to be the gay mayor of Berlin. He's also wildly popular and considered a contender for the Chancellor of Germany. He could, in fact, become the first openly gay world leader.

That would be awesome beyond words.. Chimpy would no longer be around by then, but it would just be a total riot to see them meeting at some official state function.