safety curtain

Eisenmenger’s career continued after World War II. When the Vienna State Opera — which had been heavily damaged by bombings — reopened in 1955 after a major redevelopment, Eisenmenger was selected to design its safety curtain.

In a magazine article he accused "middle-aged men and clergymen" of finding it acceptable to respond to her "desirable little body" because "the safety curtain of story and dialogue drops between their intelligence and desire".

In some theatres, even the safety curtain feels as if it were part of the magic, a tantalising portal into another world.

Between Acts II and III ten minutes and the safety curtain.

Despite its troubled history, the original safety curtain, which can still be seen outside of the opera season, seems to remain popular with some Austrians.