Opera attendees fall ill during controversial performance in Stuttgart

Eighteen audience members at the Stuttgart State Opera in Germany required medical attention after experiencing severe nausea during a provocative performance by Austrian choreographer Florentina Holzinger. The incidents occurred over the weekend during two showings of Sancta, a daring piece known for its graphic content, including live piercing, unsimulated sexual acts, and the use of both real and fake blood.

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Sebastian Ebling, a spokesperson for the opera, confirmed that eight individuals fell ill on Saturday, followed by ten more on Sunday. In three of the cases, medical professionals were called in to provide assistance. Audience members reportedly struggled with the intense visual and emotional stimuli of the performance.

Holzinger, 38, is known for pushing the boundaries of contemporary dance theatre, often incorporating elements of vaudeville and extreme body art into her work. Her all-female ensemble frequently performs nude, and past shows have included acts such as sword-swallowing, tattooing, and the use of bodily fluids in performance art. Sancta continues this trend, challenging traditional notions of dance with shocking and visceral scenes.

In a recent interview, Holzinger emphasized her unconventional approach to dance, stating that good technique goes beyond traditional moves to include performances that push the physical and emotional limits of the body. The Stuttgart performances have sparked debate over the boundaries of art and public tolerance.