‘Nude Jesus’ in explicit lesbian opera leaving 18 of audience needing medical treatment speaks out about role

A woman who has been stripping off to star in a racy religion-themed opera, which has left members of the audience needing medical treatment, has spoken out about her role in the controversial show.

As if taking the role of a 'drug addicted' Jesus Christ in Florentina Holzinger's production of Sancta wasn't enough, Annina Machaz, 39, is also playing a naked Adam in the controversial piece.

Theatregoers have been left gob-smacked after watching the eccentric staging of composer Paul Hindemith’s piece, which has been brought to life more than a century after it was banned for being blasphemous.

Florentina Holzinger's Sancta has shocked the theatre world (YouTube/Staatosper Stuttgart)

Holzinger adapted his eyebrow-raising idea for Sancta Susanna and somehow made it even more sacrilegious, with the help of a gang of naked nuns, explicit lesbian sex scenes, real blood and grisly injuries being inflicted live on stage.

The almost three-hour production, currently being performed at the Stuttgart Opera in Germany, tells the story of a nun who has quite the awakening after discovering her sexuality, making for some extremely X-rated scenes on stage.

The contents of Sancta is so extraordinary that since it's premiere on 5 October, 18 attendees have been left needing medical attention due to suffering from shock and nausea after watching the 18-rated opera.

The rest of the shows are now sold out, though - so Holzinger and her troupe must be doing something right.

A representative from the opera told The Times: "We recommend that all audience members once again very carefully read the warnings so they know what to expect."

At the centre of the all-female cast is actress Annina Machaz, who plays a - let's say 'quirky' - version of the Son of God.

The gymnast and long-time collaborator of Holzinger has spoken out about her two roles in Sancta and the backlash she has received due to being in the buff for one scene as Adam.

Speaking to news outlet Blick, Machaz said she didn't really understand the outrage about her being starkers explaining: "Whenever nudity is shown, it's very deliberate."

Describing these parts of Sancta as 'aesthetic, almost cinematic', the actress reckons that too many people are stirring up trouble about her being nude when they haven't even seen the show, and therefore the build up to it.

She claims that even a priest has given her a pat on the back for it - so God-fearing theatregoers shouldn't really take up too much issue with her depictions of Jesus Christ and Adam.

Annina Machaz plays a kooky Jesus and a naked Adam in the controversial production (YouTube/Staatosper Stuttgart)

"He was enthusiastic and praised my Jesus very highly," Machaz said proudly.

"I play a kind of business Jesus who offers 24/7 support. I'm responsible for the funny counterpart to this serious material. If you are really religious, then you will love this opera. For example, it ends with the sentence: 'Don't dream it, be it' - and is meant to give courage!"

I'm sure the audience do all need some comedic relief at certain parts of the two-hour-and-45-minute show, as the Stuttgart Opera itself has warned fans it might cause some 'discomfort' or even have a 'traumatic effect' on them.

"Sexual acts take place on stage," it's website explains. "There is also real blood and fake blood, piercings and the infliction of a wound. Stroboscopic effects, volume and incense are used in the performance."

Discussing one part of Sancta where one performer presses their finger into the wound of another, Machaz, from Zurich, offered up an alternative perspective on it.

"That's actually a good thing," she said. "That's the moment when it shows what problems there are in the world."

You can take a look at the trailer for Sancta here - but do be warned, it's explicit and naked nuns are visible:

She reckons that there are a few simple explanations for the audience members needing medical attention - because they 'aren't exactly 20 anymore', the play lasts for a lengthy amount of time and that people don't drink enough.

"Then there are just a few per performance who have to leave," she added.

Touching on her naked scenes, Machaz said she hates that her roles are reduced to her state of undress, explaining that she 'has to be naked for it, otherwise you won't understand it'.

"That doesn't do justice to the opera and the work I put into my role," she added. "Art is never right or wrong and is always a matter of taste. People should watch the play first, form their own opinion, talk to people."

What's that they say about judging a book by it's cover again?