Controversial Opera 'Sancta' Leaves 18 Audience Members Ill in Stuttgart

Florentina Holzinger's provocative performance blends nudity, violence, and religious satire, sparking both outrage and sold-out shows.

The opera 'Sancta,' directed by Florentina Holzinger, features explicit content including nudity, live piercing, and real blood, causing nausea in 18 attendees.
Despite warnings about the graphic nature of the performance, the Stuttgart State Opera's shows have sold out, reflecting significant public interest.
The opera, inspired by Paul Hindemith’s 'Sancta Susanna,' critiques organized religion and explores themes of female sexuality and autonomy.
Critics, including religious leaders, have condemned the performance as offensive, yet Holzinger defends it as a necessary exploration of art's boundaries.
Audience members were advised to heed content warnings, as the opera includes potentially triggering scenes of sexual violence and religious satire.