"The case of Tannhauser": social conflict and secular paradox

The paper discusses ethical and socio-political aspects ot the conflict between Orthodox activists and the authors of the opera Tannhauser of R. Vagner at the Novosibirsk state academic opera and ballet theatre. Attention is drawn to the possibilities and limitations of the Russian Orthodox Church “entering” the secular space of culture and art. On the basis of the court decisions and public discussion accompanying the resonant situation, the authors identify the causes and consequences of the conflict.