Displeasure Cruise

Controversy surrounds John Adams' second opera, The Death of Klinghoffer. In transforming into art the hijacking of the cruise ship Achille Lauro and the murder of aged Jewish passenger Leon Klinghoffer by Palestinian terrorists, Adams and librettist Alice Goodman have been accused of anti-Semitism and sympathizing with the terrorists. Other critics have praised Adams and Goodman for humanizing rather than demonizing the Palestinians, and for illuminating the strange impetus that drives a human being to murder another human being in the name of faith. Opera Theatre of Saint Louis is set to stage the first U.S. production of The Death of Klinghoffer since its debut in 1991, but not without the input of an interfaith coalition of Christians, Jews and Muslims that has constructed a study guide and facilitated public discussions of the incident and the opera. This is what great art is supposed to do: It provokes, it confronts and it foments dialogue. The Death of Klinghoffer is performed at 8 p.m. at the Loretto-Hilton Center (130 Edgar Road, Webster Groves; 314-961-0644 or www.opera-stl.org), and then five more times in repertory. Tickets are $25 to $120.
Fri., June 17; Sun., June 19; Tue., June 21; Thu., June 23; Sat., June 25, 2011

 
My Voice Nation Help
0 comments
Sort: Newest | Oldest
 
©2013 Riverfront Times, LLC, All rights reserved.
Browse Voice Nation
  • Voice Places St. Louis

    Voice Places

    Find everything you're looking for in your city

  • Happy Hour App

    Happy Hour App

    Find the best happy hour deals in your city

  • Daily Deals

    Daily Deals

    Get today's exclusive deals at savings of anywhere from 50-90%

  • Best Of

    Best Of...

    Check out the hottest list of places and things to do around your city