Viktor Schoner, director of the Stuttgart State Opera, speaks in star-Interview about sex, violence and real blood in the play “Sancta” – and theater guests who collapse in the hall.
“18 visitors treated by paramedics,” read a recent news headline. The report wasn’t about Oktoberfest or another party, but about the performance of the piece “Sancta” at your house. Is the Stuttgart State Opera like a folk festival that has gotten out of control?
There was no loss of control for us, otherwise the comparison is correct. If you go to a fair and ride the carousel, you might get dizzy. But you know about the risk beforehand. We did a lot of educational work before the performance of “Sancta” and pointed out that the piece could have a shocking effect on some visitors.