A new adaptation of Richard Wagner’s opera *Der Fliegende Holländer* was staged at the Deutsche Oper in Berlin by Swiss director Milo Rau. The production linked the story of the cursed sailor to Germany’s historical responsibility for the Holocaust, Israel and Palestinian suffering, using images and reenacted scenes from German-Israeli history. Rau said he wanted to provoke discussion in Germany about its approach to Israel and the situation in Gaza.

The premiere was accompanied by booing and police protection outside the opera house, while German reviews were reported to be largely negative. Booing was heard again at the second performance, and a significant number of visitors did not return after the interval. The references to Palestinian suffering prompted both applause and shouting, and visitors left arguing after the performance. Opera commentator Hein van Eekert said the production went beyond a reinterpretation and may have alienated audiences who expected to see Wagner’s original opera.