Hundreds protest “The Death of Klinghoffer”

The Metropolitan Opera set off an uproar with the premiere of “The Death of Klinghoffer,” a performance many argue glamorizes Palestinian terrorists.

The play tells the true story of a Jewish New Yorker Leon Klinghoffer, who was shot and killed by a Palestinian man on a Mediterranean cruise before being dumped overboard. Critics argued the play portrays Palestinians as freedom fighters against the Israeli state, while showing Jews as greedy and cruel.

The show, written by opera author John Adams, was anticipated by activists who organized protests prior to the event and attracted support from prominent public figures which included former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani. Throughout the performance, protesting audience members sporadically booed and shouted comments from their seats. One particularly vocal man was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct.

In spite of the outrage, the Met reported good ticket sales on opening night. Audience members also seemed largely pleased with the performance, which produced loud applause after the final curtain.