Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Comic Fritzl Play Sparks Death Threats

Director insists he's mocking media, not rape and incest

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 23, 2009 4:52 PM CST

(Newser) – 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.

Josef Fritzl at an unspecified location.
Josef Fritzl at an unspecified location.   (AP Photo)
Josef Fritzl.
Josef Fritzl.   (AP Photo)
Josef Fritzl, right, who is accused of imprisoning his daughter for 24 years and fathering seven children with her is led back to his house under heavy security as part of a police reconstruction.
Josef Fritzl, right, who is accused of imprisoning his daughter for 24 years and fathering seven children with her is led back to his house under heavy security as part of a police reconstruction.   (AP Photo)
Residents from Amstetten hold rolls of paper with their comments and thoughts in support of the Fritzl family.
Residents from Amstetten hold rolls of paper with their comments and thoughts in support of the Fritzl family.   (AP Photo)
Gerhard Sedlacek, first prosecutor in St. Poelten, speaks during a press conference about the Josef Fritzl case.
Gerhard Sedlacek, first prosecutor in St. Poelten, speaks during a press conference about the Josef Fritzl case.   (AP Photo)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
cornelison
Mar 17, 2009 9:25 PM CDT
I'm with you PatsyKid. Making fun of the inhumane treatment of others makes me wonder if this guy has a brain the size of a pea.
Doctor-Zaius
Feb 24, 2009 6:39 AM CST
sounds like a laugh a minute.
BlahBlahBlah
Feb 24, 2009 4:28 AM CST
Why, I repeat, WHY would anyone find that funny?

More Newser Stories

Fritzl Gets Counseling for 'Ordeal of Trial'

Imprisonment Began as Detox for Daughter: Fritzl

Child Murder Added to Fritzl Charges

Onion Preps Timely Election Coverage—No, Really

Fritzls Return to House of Horrors to Help Cops


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne