Comic Fritzl Play Sparks Death Threats

A comic play about accused rapist Josef Fritzl is set to open in Vienna, drawing the ire—and death threats—of Austrians who are not amused, the BBC reports. Director Hubsi Kramar stressed that the largely improvised piece, co-starring victims of abuse, is a commentary on media coverage of Fritzl’s alleged crime. “The media are writing the play and I'm reacting to it,” he said.

But he remains wary of journalists' power: “The media hunt is beginning to have an effect" on the theater, Kramar said. “It will be dangerous for all involved.” Fritzl, who has admitted to kidnapping his daughter and having seven children by her, will face charges including murder, enslavement, rape, and incest when his trial starts next month. The play will change based on media coverage of the trial, Kramar said.
(More Josef Fritzl stories.)