Why does the opera let someone like this on stage?

Why's this questionable character gracing the opera stage?

Stuttgart/Cologne - His gang pulled off a jaw-dropping heist that made headlines throughout Baden-Württemberg. Xatar (41) served time for his crimes and emerged a "gangster rapper" with street cred. Now he's headlining at the prestigious Stuttgart Opera House.

Looking back: In 2009, Xatar and his crew disguised as customs investigators managed to snatch 120 kilos of precious gold and jewelry worth 1.7 million euros from a valuable goods transporter near Ludwigsburg. The stolen goods remain missing to this day.

Xatar served eight years in jail, but his release stirred up controversy. Becoming a "notorious" figure in the rap industry, Xatar leveraged his unsavory fame for his music career. His controversial life was depicted in the film "Rheingold."

Why does the opera boss allow him on stage now?

The artistic director of the Stuttgart Opera, Viktor Schoner (49), has been shaking things up since arriving in 2019. Lord Mayor Dr. Frank Nopper (62, CDU) praised Schoner's efforts, stating, "Viktor Schoner has elevated the Stuttgart State Opera through innovative productions and collaborations, as well as hosting unconventional guests."

So, was Nopper referring to convicted rap artists too?

Xatar is scheduled to perform a boundary-pushing live program of rap, funk, soul, and jazz at the opera house on June 15, 2024. Accompanied by Heavytones, equally known from the Pro7 show "TV Total," tickets range from 8 to 65 euros.

According to opera spokesman Sebastian Ebling (36), Xatar's criminal past did not factor into their decision: "The management finds Xatar's and Heavytones' music invigorating."

The opera plans to beef up security if needed, but they expect a packed house for their controversial guest.

Outrage in the parliament. FDP MP Stephen Brauer (53), responsible for culture, argued, "Anyone exploiting a violent crime for corporate persona should not be on a state stage."

Brauer supports public cultural funding, but believes providing a platform for convicted criminals undermines the values of responsible spending.

CDU MP Andreas Sturm (37), however, backed the opera, saying, "Artists with a criminal past can find their place in society again, and it's part of our constitutional state to foster that."

1. Stuttgart Regional Court is set to see Xatar again due to the controversy surrounding his opera appearance.
2. The Cologne Regional News shared its surprise and concern over the Stuttgart Opera's decision, given Xatar's previous court appearances there.
3. During a TV Total interview, Raab Stefan discussed the Stuttgart Opera's invitation to Xatar, defending the institution's artistic freedom while acknowledging the rapper's controversial past.
4. Police in Stuttgart are preparing for heightened security measures around the opera house, anticipating a strong response from Xatar's fans.
5. Frank Nopper, Stuttgart's Lord Mayor, has defended the opera's decision, emphasizing its dedication to innovative collaborations and promoting diverse artists.
6. The FDP in Stuttgart has advocated for a review of the opera's funding, arguing that featuring convicted criminals violates responsible use of taxpayer money.
7. As the date for Xatar's performance nears, Ludwigsburg News weighs in on the controversy, with some supporting the opera's commitment to artistic freedom and others criticizing the choice of controversial guest.

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Enrichment Data: The Stuttgart Opera's decision to welcome controversial rapper Xatar isn't explicitly explained in the sources. However, it suggests that the opera house aims to showcase diverse, cutting-edge performances. Their recent productions, such as "Sancta," which provoked controversy with its graphic content, demonstrate the opera's willingness to challenge conventional norms and engage the audience. Additionally, featuring a variety of artists, including musicians covering different genres, like rap and soul, as seen in their recent Max Herre and Joy Denalane concerts, suggests that inclusivity and a desire to push boundaries may have played a role in their decision to invite Xatar.