With SANCTA, Florentina Holzinger created her first opera. The work is based on Paul Hindemith's one-act opera Sancta Susanna from 1922, blended with new compositions and pieces by Bach and Rachmaninoff. Holzinger drew inspiration from the Holy Mass and other religious practices and phenomena. As a result, the performance takes the form of a (secular, spectacular) service, dedicated to themes such as redemption, purification and martyrdom.
Another artistic starting point is the theme of transformation, both in Christian mythology (bread becomes body, wine becomes blood) and in the practice of artists who, through rigorous training and discipline, achieve ‘superhuman’ achievements. With this work, Holzinger aims to address complex issues surrounding the relationship between the (Catholic) Church, physicality, violence, oppression and sexuality from the perspective of female identity.
The stage will feature performers, musicians and opera singers, supported by an orchestra and a women's choir. The premiere took place on 30 May 2024 at the Mecklenburgisches Staatstheater Opera Schwerin. SANCTA was then presented in Vienna (Wiener Festwochen) and Berlin (Volksbühne). In 2026, it will also be performed in Antwerp (Flemish Opera and Ballet), Rotterdam (Theater Rotterdam) and Amsterdam (Julidans). Tour dates for 2026 will be announced soon. For a full list of collaborators and tour dates, see the link on this page to the website of Florentina Holzinger's producer, Neon Lobster.
