Opera cancelled due to security fears

[Banquo's Ghost]

Whereas this may well veer off immediately into another one-dimensional anti-Muslim thread, I would first be interested in any views from our German colleagues as to the real context.

It appears at first sight that a production of Mozart's Idomeneo has been cancelled after security fears that a depiction of Prophet Muhmammed's (p.b.u.h.) severed head being presented in the opera, may cause significant offense. Muslim community leaders appear to have approved the cancellation.

Yet the same scene also has the heads of Jesus, Poseidon and Buddha being presented. There doesn't appear to have been a peep out of the Greek Pantheists or anyone else.

Are even moderate Muslim leaders now contributing to the feeling that nothing they disapprove of may be discussed or shown? Or are they justified in objecting to a depiction of the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) that they feel demeans their religion, whereas the other religions have simply given up feebly? Or thirdly, is the 'political correctness brigade' mis-representing Muslim feelings to generate publicity for a third rate production?

Linky

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Religious fears force off opera

A Berlin opera company cancelled a Mozart production over security fears because it features the severed heads of the Prophet Muhammad and Jesus.

Deutsche Oper said "incalculable" security risks would be posed by staging Idomeneo.

"We know the consequences of the conflict over the (Muhammad) caricatures," the opera company said in a statement.

"We believe that needs to be taken very seriously and hope for your support."

The opera was staged in Berlin in 2003, drawing criticism over a scene where the king presents the heads of Greek sea god Poseidon, Muhammad, Jesus and Buddha.

The director, Kirsten Harms, said security officials had now warned of possible problems if the production went ahead, and that it was in the best interests of performers and opera-goers to cancel it.

But Berlin's mayor, Klaus Wowereit, said the director had made the wrong decision to scrap the production.

"Our ideas about openness, tolerance and freedom must be lived out on the offensive," he told the Associated Press.

"Voluntary self-limitation gives those who fight against our values a confirmation in advance that we will not stand behind them."

Germany's interior minister called the cancellation "unacceptable"

Germany's Islamic Council leader, Ali Kizilkaya, supported the cancellation, saying the Muhammad depiction could offend.

"Nevertheless, of course I think it is horrible that one has to be afraid," he told Berlin's Radio Multikulti.

"That is not the right way to open dialogue."

The decision closely follows the furore caused by a speech made by Pope Benedict in which he cited an ancient text featuring Muhammad, sparking angry street protests around the world.

My own concern is that the expression of ideas is being compromised. I am yet to be convinced whether this is the fault of muslim ideologues or our own cowardice in standing up against censorship.

[sharrukin]

Whereas this may well veer off immediately into another one-dimensional anti-Muslim thread, I would first be interested in any views from our German colleagues as to the real context.

It appears at first sight that a production of Mozart's Idomeneo has been cancelled after security fears that a depiction of Prophet Muhmammed's (p.b.u.h.) severed head being presented in the opera, may cause significant offense. Muslim community leaders appear to have approved the cancellation.

Yet the same scene also has the heads of Jesus, Poseidon and Buddha being presented. There doesn't appear to have been a peep out of the Greek Pantheists or anyone else.

Are even moderate Muslim leaders now contributing to the feeling that nothing they disapprove of may be discussed or shown? Or are they justified in objecting to a depiction of the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) that they feel demeans their religion, whereas the other religions have simply given up feebly? Or thirdly, is the 'political correctness brigade' mis-representing Muslim feelings to generate publicity for a third rate production?

Linky

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Religious fears force off opera

A Berlin opera company cancelled a Mozart production over security fears because it features the severed heads of the Prophet Muhammad and Jesus.

Deutsche Oper said "incalculable" security risks would be posed by staging Idomeneo.

"We know the consequences of the conflict over the (Muhammad) caricatures," the opera company said in a statement.

"We believe that needs to be taken very seriously and hope for your support."

The opera was staged in Berlin in 2003, drawing criticism over a scene where the king presents the heads of Greek sea god Poseidon, Muhammad, Jesus and Buddha.

The director, Kirsten Harms, said security officials had now warned of possible problems if the production went ahead, and that it was in the best interests of performers and opera-goers to cancel it.

But Berlin's mayor, Klaus Wowereit, said the director had made the wrong decision to scrap the production.

"Our ideas about openness, tolerance and freedom must be lived out on the offensive," he told the Associated Press.

"Voluntary self-limitation gives those who fight against our values a confirmation in advance that we will not stand behind them."

Germany's interior minister called the cancellation "unacceptable"

Germany's Islamic Council leader, Ali Kizilkaya, supported the cancellation, saying the Muhammad depiction could offend.

"Nevertheless, of course I think it is horrible that one has to be afraid," he told Berlin's Radio Multikulti.

"That is not the right way to open dialogue."

The decision closely follows the furore caused by a speech made by Pope Benedict in which he cited an ancient text featuring Muhammad, sparking angry street protests around the world.

My own concern is that the expression of ideas is being compromised. I am yet to be convinced whether this is the fault of muslim ideologues or our own cowardice in standing up against censorship.

We are afraid that if we show this opera the Muslims are going to hurt us....and by the way, don't let this become a thread about Muslim threats of violence?

Clearly terrorism works! Be it assassinations, bombings, or riots.

IMHO, it is our own cowardice that encourages muslim ideologues.

[Banquo's Ghost]

We are afraid that if we show this opera the Muslims are going to hurt us....and by the way, don't let this become a thread about Muslim threats of violence?

Calm, calm. Breathe.

AFAIK, there have been no actual threats of any sort. Merely a security assessment by the opera company and 'security officials' (which might well be the local doorman for all I know from the article).

[Pannonian]

I was going to say use Firefox instead.

[yesdachi]

Buc Buc Buc Buc-Ock!
That was my impersonation of a chicken.

The title of the article should be “Terrorism Works to Shutdown Opera Before it Even Opens”. Give in, bow down to your new turbaned masters, and enjoy and life of slavery.


I read the title fast and originally thought the thread was about Oprah.

[TB666]

Nobody has gone after the opera.
No threats or nothing.
This whole things sounds like a PR trick.

[Husar]

Whereas this may well veer off immediately into another one-dimensional anti-Muslim thread, I would first be interested in any views from our German colleagues as to the real context.

I saw it on TV some days ago and thought about posting it, then I forgot...
I don't know more than you about the context, on TV they interviewed some politicians or so who all seemed to agree that this was a bad idea.

Prophet Muhmammed's (p.b.u.h.)

Are you afraid yourself or did you convert recently?
In any way, you can save the dots, "pbuh" should suffice.

Yet the same scene also has the heads of Jesus, Poseidon and Buddha being presented. There doesn't appear to have been a peep out of the Greek Pantheists or anyone else.

Being a greek pantheist...err...Christian I can only say that, well, dunno, don't really care.

My own concern is that the expression of ideas is being compromised. I am yet to be convinced whether this is the fault of muslim ideologues or our own cowardice in standing up against censorship.

I agree but at the same time I could understand that some artist may not want to lose his head or family because of some opera.
Making others stand up is easier than standing up yourself.
And standing up against a bunch of lunatic suicide bombers is not an easy thing to do, just ask the Isrealis or some soldiers in Iraq.
Imposing freedom of art and whatnot by killing everybody who complains might make the artists safer, but I think it's not a very nice option.
Now i feel like I have nothing to say anymore, so that's it for now.

[Strike For The South]

M.A.S.H

Just some surgical editing from your friendly liberal capitalist pinko right wing moderator. :)

Since DD got off lightly so shall ye.

[Sasaki Kojiro]

Operas kinda suck anyhow :p

[Devastatin Dave]

Operas kinda suck anyhow :p

M.A.S.H

Just some surgical editing from your friendly liberal capitalist pinko right wing moderator. :)

Think before you post. Most of the posts were quite sensible.

[Seamus Fermanagh]

Whereas this may well veer off immediately into another one-dimensional anti-Muslim thread, I would first be interested in any views from our German colleagues as to the real context.

It appears at first sight that a production of Mozart's Idomeneo has been cancelled after security fears that a depiction of Prophet Muhmammed's (p.b.u.h.) severed head being presented in the opera, may cause significant offense. Muslim community leaders appear to have approved the cancellation.

Yet the same scene also has the heads of Jesus, Poseidon and Buddha being presented. There doesn't appear to have been a peep out of the Greek Pantheists or anyone else.

Are even moderate Muslim leaders now contributing to the feeling that nothing they disapprove of may be discussed or shown? Or are they justified in objecting to a depiction of the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) that they feel demeans their religion, whereas the other religions have simply given up feebly? Or thirdly, is the 'political correctness brigade' mis-representing Muslim feelings to generate publicity for a third rate production?

Linky

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Religious fears force off opera

A Berlin opera company cancelled a Mozart production over security fears because it features the severed heads of the Prophet Muhammad and Jesus.

Deutsche Oper said "incalculable" security risks would be posed by staging Idomeneo.

"We know the consequences of the conflict over the (Muhammad) caricatures," the opera company said in a statement.

"We believe that needs to be taken very seriously and hope for your support."

The opera was staged in Berlin in 2003, drawing criticism over a scene where the king presents the heads of Greek sea god Poseidon, Muhammad, Jesus and Buddha.

The director, Kirsten Harms, said security officials had now warned of possible problems if the production went ahead, and that it was in the best interests of performers and opera-goers to cancel it.

But Berlin's mayor, Klaus Wowereit, said the director had made the wrong decision to scrap the production.

"Our ideas about openness, tolerance and freedom must be lived out on the offensive," he told the Associated Press.

"Voluntary self-limitation gives those who fight against our values a confirmation in advance that we will not stand behind them."

Germany's interior minister called the cancellation "unacceptable"

Germany's Islamic Council leader, Ali Kizilkaya, supported the cancellation, saying the Muhammad depiction could offend.

"Nevertheless, of course I think it is horrible that one has to be afraid," he told Berlin's Radio Multikulti.

"That is not the right way to open dialogue."

The decision closely follows the furore caused by a speech made by Pope Benedict in which he cited an ancient text featuring Muhammad, sparking angry street protests around the world.

My own concern is that the expression of ideas is being compromised. I am yet to be convinced whether this is the fault of muslim ideologues or our own cowardice in standing up against censorship.

As a quibbler, I would note that the opera company withdrawing the production is not censorship. Censorship is an act of suppression by the governing body of the polity in question.

However, your real point is the curtailment of free expression -- and it is a darned good point. The response of muslim extremists, and to a lesser extent the broader swath of muslim believers, is indeed calculated to produce this effect. The goal being to create an environment where no criticism may be leveled against their faith, leaving it free to proselytize without opposition. To some extent, this has been (historically) or is attempted by every "religion," but in our modern (Post-WWII) world this tactic is more closely associated with entities that we label "cults." It is one of the disturbing trends I have observed regarding Islam in recent decades and stands at odds to the more sedate opposition voiced in analogous circumstances by most of the other major religions.

[Divinus Arma]

Another example of Western Cowardice in the face of brave Muslim Warriors.

Allahu Ahkbar!

[Devastatin Dave]

Another example of Western Cowardice in the face of brave Muslim Warriors.

Allahu Ahkbar!

M.A.S.H

Just some surgical editing from your friendly liberal capitalist pinko right wing moderator. :)

[Banquo's Ghost]

Are you afraid yourself or did you convert recently?
In any way, you can save the dots, "pbuh" should suffice.

Just for the record, my training company used to teach English to a lot of Muslim immigrants. I got used to respecting their views and in writing responses to their concerns. Sadly, since moving on, I no longer have the opportunity to get their views directly so I have to make do with the Backroom.

The full stops are best used to indicate that there is an abbreviation there - not everyone knows what the honorific is.

[Papewaio]

Everyone want to modify their little digs at anothers religons (*.*.*.*)... I'll be shelling out a warning point per offence tomorrow when I return to the org... so you have less then 24 hours.

[Devastatin Dave]

Everyone want to modify their little digs at anothers religons (*.*.*.*)... I'll be shelling out a warning point per offence tomorrow when I return to the org... so you have less then 24 hours.

I can't edit my posts....
Ask Ser to modify mine...

[Ser Clegane]

Well ... the loss of the edit button after reaching 2 warning points is meant to "encourage" patrons to think about what they are going to post before actually posting (and we even provide free thinking time via flood control).

Doesn't always work though...

[ezrider]

Why does the opera after existing for a couple of hundred years, now have to be dropped!!!
I think it fear on behalf of the Opera director. Will every work ever written or composed have to be scoured for references to Mohammed?? and if a reference is found, who says whether it can be shown or not? The imams?

There are loads of muslims in Berlin (I'm surrounded by them) and I never saw them go mad over anything. There have been honour killings here, Muslim kids with knives in one School but nothing more.
During the Paris riots, A few youths tried to emmulate their gallic cousins, but they had no support.

Nothing would have happened if that Opera was shown. Nothing Nothing Nothing Nothing Nothing.

EDIT: I hope the Muslim community, however moderate doen't start warming up to the fact that they can control what people can show just by complaining that it offends their sensibilities and Religion.

[yesdachi]

I think it is BS to give in to the expected reaction of the extremists but if they are really that scared then why not just replace Mo’s head and name with Ronald McDonald, Mickey Mouse or even W’s. “Creative License” is used all the time, why not now?

[Husar]

Just for the record, my training company used to teach English to a lot of Muslim immigrants. I got used to respecting their views and in writing responses to their concerns. Sadly, since moving on, I no longer have the opportunity to get their views directly so I have to make do with the Backroom.

The full stops are best used to indicate that there is an abbreviation there - not everyone knows what the honorific is.

My point was only that the pbuh is meant as recognizing Muhammed as the prophet and showing you believe in what he said more or less. I just found it weird to see a non-muslim do it since it makes you look very much like a muslim believer.
I think to respect their views one does not have to adopt their beliefs, right?
Not a big issue though and I don't want to hijack the thread.

[Devastatin Dave]

Well ... the loss of the edit button after reaching 2 warning points is meant to "encourage" patrons to think about what they are going to post before actually posting (and we even provide free thinking time via flood control).

Doesn't always work though...

Yawn... edit my stuff or Pape's gonna give ya warnings!!!

[Crazed Rabbit]

Everyone want to modify their little digs at anothers religons (*.*.*.*)... I'll be shelling out a warning point per offence tomorrow when I return to the org... so you have less then 24 hours.

So people who say Jesus is not the divine son of God are going to get warning points? It seems that if the acronym stands for something like (He Is No Prophet), then that would be a valid expression of one's belief that's not provocative and in line with what some members say about Jesus. Of course, purely offensive acronyms (such as *insert religious figure name here* (Likes His Goats Saucy)) should not be tolerated.

Anways, I'm interested if there is a fear among the German public of extremists who would attack someone for an opera, or if the director is being overly afraid.

Crazed Rabbit

[Ser Clegane]

Anways, I'm interested if there is a fear among the German public of extremists who would attack someone for an opera, or if the director is being overly afraid.

Common opinion (an opinion which I share) seems to be that the director was overly afraid.
I acknowledge that she had good intentions, but she went too far without any need. Currently it becomes increasingly likely that the decision will be revoked.

[drone]

I'm disappointed that nobody has made a "spear and magic helmet" crack yet.

I'll start, "Kill the rabbi, kill the rabbi!"

[BigTex]

Whereas this may well veer off immediately into another one-dimensional anti-Muslim thread, I would first be interested in any views from our German colleagues as to the real context.

It appears at first sight that a production of Mozart's Idomeneo has been cancelled after security fears that a depiction of Prophet Muhmammed's (p.b.u.h.) severed head being presented in the opera, may cause significant offense. Muslim community leaders appear to have approved the cancellation.

Yet the same scene also has the heads of Jesus, Poseidon and Buddha being presented. There doesn't appear to have been a peep out of the Greek Pantheists or anyone else.

Are even moderate Muslim leaders now contributing to the feeling that nothing they disapprove of may be discussed or shown? Or are they justified in objecting to a depiction of the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) that they feel demeans their religion, whereas the other religions have simply given up feebly? Or thirdly, is the 'political correctness brigade' mis-representing Muslim feelings to generate publicity for a third rate production?

Linky

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Religious fears force off opera

A Berlin opera company cancelled a Mozart production over security fears because it features the severed heads of the Prophet Muhammad and Jesus.

Deutsche Oper said "incalculable" security risks would be posed by staging Idomeneo.

"We know the consequences of the conflict over the (Muhammad) caricatures," the opera company said in a statement.

"We believe that needs to be taken very seriously and hope for your support."

The opera was staged in Berlin in 2003, drawing criticism over a scene where the king presents the heads of Greek sea god Poseidon, Muhammad, Jesus and Buddha.

The director, Kirsten Harms, said security officials had now warned of possible problems if the production went ahead, and that it was in the best interests of performers and opera-goers to cancel it.

But Berlin's mayor, Klaus Wowereit, said the director had made the wrong decision to scrap the production.

"Our ideas about openness, tolerance and freedom must be lived out on the offensive," he told the Associated Press.

"Voluntary self-limitation gives those who fight against our values a confirmation in advance that we will not stand behind them."

Germany's interior minister called the cancellation "unacceptable"

Germany's Islamic Council leader, Ali Kizilkaya, supported the cancellation, saying the Muhammad depiction could offend.

"Nevertheless, of course I think it is horrible that one has to be afraid," he told Berlin's Radio Multikulti.

"That is not the right way to open dialogue."

The decision closely follows the furore caused by a speech made by Pope Benedict in which he cited an ancient text featuring Muhammad, sparking angry street protests around the world.

My own concern is that the expression of ideas is being compromised. I am yet to be convinced whether this is the fault of muslim ideologues or our own cowardice in standing up against censorship.

Seems like someone is a little paranoid. I don't see why people are so afraid to voice their freedom of speach. Sure this is in bad taste beheading anyones religious figure is, but that does not mean you shouldn't be allowed to do it. If they are so paranoid that a suicide bomber is going to blow them up for envoking their rights. Then they need to be pissed that the police or the government for protecting them inadequatly and allowing their rights to be trampled on. Censoring it after a threat is merely going to embolden them. Seriously since when has the west become a haven for the limp wristed.

STFS your are 100% correct with the FUBU, muslims and anything to do with mohamed is increasingly becoming a For You By Us thing.
_______________
Speak softly and carry tactical nukes.

BigTex

Ridicolus
"Hilary Clinton is the devil"
~Texas proverb

[Divinus Arma]

Isnt this a 200 yr old Opera? Why should we modify a piece of work that old just to appease the Islamofascists? Cut Muhhamed's head off. And Jesus. And Buhda. And Moses. And God if you want to. I see no reason to restrict freedom of expression and speech just because it offends people. I find liberals offenensive, but I would never demand their silence. I also find Nazis and racists to be offensive, but they have the right to speak their mind.

When we begin to limit speech because someone is "offended", we surrender our freedom and power to them. The range of discusion can only decrease over time as others exert their will over us.

[yesdachi]

I find liberals offenensive, but I would never demand their silence.

But would it be ok to cut their heads off?

[Devastatin Dave]

I'm disappointed that nobody has made a "spear and magic helmet" crack yet.

I'll start, "Kill the rabbi, kill the rabbi!"

Dude, you're lucky rabbits don't carry swords!!!

[Kanamori]

Personally, I don't understand a non-believer using pbuh, and I don't understand the hostility shown towards muslims in general by changing the phrase. Most of them have not asked you or tried to force you to use pbuh, so I do not see how the smug and malicious changes of the phrase are warranted.

[Dâriûsh]

Why does the opera after existing for a couple of hundred years, now have to be dropped!!!
I think it fear on behalf of the Opera director. Will every work ever written or composed have to be scoured for references to Mohammed?? and if a reference is found, who says whether it can be shown or not? The imams?

Nothing would have happened if that Opera was shown. Nothing Nothing Nothing Nothing Nothing.

EDIT: I hope the Muslim community, however moderate doen't start warming up to the fact that they can control what people can show just by complaining that it offends their sensibilities and Religion.

I think it is political correctness to the point of lunacy. Unfortunately, the image most vividly remembered from the infamous cartoon incident, is that of an angry flag-burning mob. So I guess that the illusion that one can actually appease far away fascist fundamentalists counts as political correctness these days. It's a shame.


Oh man, I hope Al-Qaeda won't read this post.