Berlin
A controversial staging of Mozart’s Idomeneo, canceled in September because of fears of Muslim protests, was performed in Berlin this week. The problematic scene shows the severed heads of four religious figures, including Jesus and Mohammed; Islam bans depictions of its prophet. But politicians and moderate Muslim groups alike were appalled at the cancellation, and the show was revived this month. The leader of Germany’s Turkish community, Kenan Kolat, attended. “I think it is important to take a stand for freedom of art, and that’s why I’m here tonight,” he said. All theatergoers had to pass through metal detectors.
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