Florentina Holzinger's 'Sancta' Sparks Outrage and Sold-Out Shows in Stuttgart

Florentina Holzinger's opera 'Sancta', which premiered at the Staatsoper Stuttgart, has caused scandal across Europe with its extreme content including live piercing, full nudity, and unsimulated sex. The performance, inspired by Paul Hindemith's 1922 opera 'Sancta Susanna', features Swiss actress Annina Machaz as a modern Jesus portraying a homeless drug addict who spanks a nun and engages in sadism. Other scenes include nude actresses simulating bell clappers, bloodied performers climbing a wall, and a cross-shaped sword inserted into a performer's throat. The Catholic community and right-wing politicians have condemned the show, but it has sold out future performances. The Staatsoper website warns of sexual acts, real and stage blood, piercing procedures, wound infliction, strobe effects, high volume, and incense, recommending it for an 'audience seeking new theatrical experiences'. Holzinger stated the work is about 'breaking repressed female libido' and that those uncomfortable can refrain from attending. The original 'Sancta Susanna' premiered on March 26, 1922 in Frankfurt, causing similar outrage, and the composer later refused permission for further performances. A 1978 version at the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma was directed by Marcello Panni and Giorgio Pressburger, and a more recent production at Ravenna Festival was directed by Chiara Muti. 'Sancta' is restricted to audiences over 18.