Opera enthusiasts who witnessed a controversial performance that resulted in several attendees fainting and becoming ill have voiced their opinions about the most shocking aspect of the show.
Florentina Holzinger’s Sancta Susanna has been staged at the state opera in Stuttgart, Germany since October 5.
Originally composed in 1921, this performance includes real lesbian interactions, actual blood, and live piercing on stage.
The intense nature of the show proved overwhelming for some, with 18 individuals requiring medical attention due to shock and nausea, as previously reported by the Daily Mail.
Sancta Susanna is described as a ‘radical version of the Holy Mass,’ consisting of a single act where performers narrate the story of a nun who explores her sexuality.
Additionally, the performance featured unusual elements such as a nude, roller-skating nun and a small person dressed as the Pope being swung around by a mechanical arm, according to the Mirror.
One scene even involves an oral sex act with a crucifix. However, it wasn’t the explicit sexual acts that caused one viewer to faint.
On Reddit, opera enthusiasts shared their experiences of the peculiar show.
Commenting on the shocking elements, one remarked: “I’m sorry…Real blood?” to which another replied: “Yep. And cutting a small piece of flesh from one of the performers’ body (and later grilling and eating it).”
They added: “I saw it in Schwerin last May. Embarrassed to admit it but I fainted during this flesh-cutting episode.”
Another individual shared: “I was at the opening night in Stuttgart. It was an incredible experience. The flesh-cutting went on longer than I would have hoped and there was a close-up camera that was shown on the big screens. Then that piece was BBQed and eaten.”
They continued: “I have many thoughts. But overall an incredible experience.”
Despite the widespread controversy surrounding the performance, a spokesperson for the opera maintained their stance. They informed the Mail that front row attendees would have been aware of ‘what they are letting themselves in for’.
The show’s description notes: “Some aspects of the evening may cause discomfort for certain individuals, and for others, they may even be retraumatizing. The focus of the evening is on spirituality and sexuality, but also on criticism of religion and a critical examination of religious and societal violence.”
The opera is scheduled to conclude its run on November 3, with seven performances remaining. If you’re interested, there’s still an opportunity to secure a ticket. Better you than me.