Head props missing from Mozart opera

BERLIN, Dec. 10 (UPI) -- Heads of Muhammad, Jesus, the Buddha and Poseidon -- props for a Mozart opera -- were reported missing from a Berlin theater.

Authorities said the severed heads disappeared days before the opera was to be performed.

Deutsche Oper sparked criticism in September when it canceled Mozart's "Idomeneo" after police said a scene showing the head of Muhammad might provoke attacks by Islamic extremists, the Sunday Times of London said. Opera house managers decided to proceed with the production after politicians and artists then criticized them for yielding to fears of terrorism.

A Deutsche Oper spokeswoman said the heads had been mislaid, because there weren't signs of a break-in. She said if the heads cannot be located, "we'll simply make new ones."

"Idomeneo" is about a Cretan king and human resistance to offering sacrifices.