Opera featuring lesbian sex scenes, bloody gore leaves 18 requiring medical treatment from graphic 3-hour show

This show strikes a chord.A radical feminist opera is causing major controversy and causing disturbed attendees to require medical treatment — and it’s coming to the US this month.

“Sancta Susanna” tells the story of a suppressed nun’s journey of self-discovery and sexuality, featuring shocking elements including explicit lesbian scenes, real injuries and nudity. The one-act show lasts almost three hours and has no breaks — but plenty of sex acts, real and simulated blood, and painful stunts, alongside graphic portrayals of violence and nudity. Some of the shocking scenes include naked performers appearing as clappers in church bells, others scaling walls while wearing only harnesses, and a crucifix-shaped sword being thrust down an actress’s throat.

The performance continues to push people’s boundaries, such as a moment when an actress portraying Jesus spanks a semi-naked nun, and another where performers mimic the crucifixion while being doused in fake blood. Composed by Paul Hindemith, the original 1921 premiere of “Sancta Susanna” was canceled due to outrage over its content, having been deemed too blasphemous by critics — a belief still held by some today, perhaps unsurprisingly.  Now, more than 100 years later, the show is being performed in Stuttgart, Austria — a country where Catholicism is the most popular religion — for the first time. The immersive production has received mixed responses from audiences, with reports of 18 attendees requiring medical attention for stress and more on-site — with three treated by a doctor for excessive nausea — during its initial performances, The UK Times reported.However, the show’s team isn’t concerned.A representative from the opera told the news outlet: “We recommend that all audience members once again very carefully read the warnings so they know what to expect.” The latest production, reimagined by extreme performance artist Florentina Holzinger, aims to present a “rad...