Russia Bans Wagner Production in Siberia

Actors, poets and directors in Siberia are protesting the recent censorship of a production of the Wagner opera Tannhauser for "offending religious believers," the BBC reported Wednesday. Russia's Culture Ministry fired the Novosibirsk State Opera Theatre head after Russian Orthodox activists protested the production because they were offended by the depiction of Tannhauser as a director working on an erotic film featuring Jesus Christ. The theatre head's replacement immediately pulled the production, calling it "blasphemous." Activists have petitioned the ban, also calling for the resignation of Culture Minister Vladimir Medinsky, but the ministry has defended its decision.