Mozart's Idomeneo Censored in Berlin Amid Islamist Threats

The Deutsche Oper in Berlin canceled performances of Mozart's opera Idomeneo after receiving a single phone threat from Islamists. The opera had been targeted for its themes of pleasure and freedom, which clash with extremist interpretations of Islam. Jacques Henric's editorial in art press condemns this capitulation, linking it to broader cowardice in European responses to Islamist intimidation. He cites similar threats against writer Salman Rushdie, Taslima Nasreen, cartoonists, and philosopher Robert Redeker, who faced death threats after publishing an article on Islam in Le Figaro. French Education Minister Gilles de Robien criticized Redeker for involving the national education system, urging caution. The MRAP (Movement Against Racism and for Friendship Between Peoples) nearly blamed Redeker as a provocateur. Henric also notes that the University of Edinburgh blocked the use of a miniature depicting Muhammad and the Virgin Mary on the cover of Abdelwahab Meddeb's book Contre-prêches, fearing offense to Muslims. Despite these abdications, Henric finds hope in figures like German director Hans Neuenffels, who stated that those who want to instill fear of Islam are more frightening than Muslims themselves. The editorial was published in art press in November 2006.