Culture

Nazi-Themed Opera Canceled in Germany

Scenes showed executions, prompting some negative feedback

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A modern version of Richard Wagner's "Tannhauser" has been canceled in Germany after the opening-night audience complained about new scenes showing Jews being executed and dying in the gas chambers.

A spokeswoman for Duesseldorf's opera house said there would only be concert performances without theatrical staging.

Monika Doll said producer Burkhard Kosminski had refused to tone down the disputed scenes, even though the Holocaust-related parts prompted several in the audience on Saturday to seek medical attention.