The Death of Klinghoffer

The New York Metropolitan Opera has cancelled a broadcast of John Adam's opera, The Death of Klinghoffer.

This powerful opera tells the true story of the hijacking of the Achille Lauro cruise ship in 1985 by Palestinians during which one of the crew was killed. It is a tragic and moving opera, and the decision to cancel has puzzled and confused some, including the Guardian newspaper. 

Opera tells a story arguably more directly and clearly than other art forms. It is sad that self-censorship like this has ended the chance for those of us who would have liked to see the broadcast.