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Opera

The Death of Klinghoffer

Approximate running time

THE DEATH OF KLINGHOFFER MODERN, POLITICAL AND CONTROVERSIAL

Written by John Adams, 'The Death of Klinghoffer' is a Belgian-American production, with a prologue and two acts, first performed at the Théatre Royal de la Monnaie in Brussels in 1991.

It is based around the events of the hijacking of the Achille Lauro, a cruise liner, by the Palestine Liberation Front in 1985, which resulted in the murder of a Jewish-American passenger, Leon Klinghoffer. The opera has been the subject of much controversy, with claims that it is anti-semitic and that it glamorises terrorism. Both these claims are denied by John Adams.

THE HISTORY

The opera's musical style is minimalist and atmospheric. The drama is portrayed using long monologues by the characters alongside a commentary by the chorus, which is outside of the action. The major events of the hijacking, including the murder of Klinghoffer are not portrayed onstage, instead occurring between the staged scenes. 'The Death of Klinghoffer' was intended to be considered as a "dramatic meditation" of the events, as opposed to a conventional narrative.

PROLOGUE:

Consisting of two choruses, the "Chorus of Exiled Palestinians" and the "Chorus of Exiled Jews", the prologue is a reflection upon both the history and the respective peoples.

Act 1, SCENE 1:

Recalling the events of the hijacking, the Captain of the Achille Lauro tells how most passengers had disembarked in Egypt for a tour of the Pyramids. The ship set out to sea, intending to return later. The hijackers had embarked during this stop and commandeered the ship, keeping the passengers hostage in the restaurant. The First Officer informs the Captain of the hijack, and Molqi, one of the hijackers explains the situation at gunpoint to the passengers.

Act 1, SCENE 2:

Mahmoud, another hijacker, is keeping watch over the Captain. The two engage in a dialogue whereby the Captain pleads that people on both sides of the Israel-Palestine conflict meet together to try to reach an understanding. The idea is dismissed by Mahmoud. We also see a passenger narrative by an Austrian woman who remained hidden inside her cabin for the duration of the hijacking.

Act 2, SCENE 1:

Molqi's frustration at a lack of reply to his demands leads to threats by Mahmoud that he will murder the passengers. Leon Klinghoffer then denounces the hijackers leading to the exchange of harsh words regarding Americans and Jews. A dispute between Molqi and Omar, another hijacker, follows and Klinghoffer is taken away.

Act 2, SCENE 2:
It is announced that Leon Klinghoffer has been shot, and the hijackers say that another person will be killed every fifteen minutes. The Captain offers himself as the next person to be shot in response.

Act 2, SCENE 3:
The hijackers surrender, and the passengers disembark safely. The Captain informs Marilyn Klinghoffer of her husband's death. She is distraught and her last sentiments are that she had been murdered instead.

THE MAIN ROLES

The Captain of the Achille Lauro - Baritone
Mahmoud, a terrorist - Baritone
The First Officer - Bass-baritone
Swiss grandmother - Mezzo-soprano
Austrian woman - Mezzo-soprano
British dancing girl - Mezzo-soprano

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