By Alexandra Hudson EBERSWALDE, Germany (Reuters) - In a German exhibition hall stands a life-like dummy of a 1990s neo-Nazi with shaved head, lace-up boots and bomber jacket. Next to it is a dummy of a latter-day neo-Nazi, wearing non-descript dark clothing, a cap and scarf, able to blend into any crowd.

A Nazi-themed production of Richard Wagner's "Tannhauser" opera has been cancelled in Duesseldorf after realistic death scenes distressed audience members, the opera house said Thursday. The Rheinoper said it was aware that the concept and its implementation would be "controversial". "But it was with great astonishment that we noted that some scenes, in particular very realistic execution scenes, caused physical and psychological distress to a number of spectators who had to seek medical help," read a statement on the Rheinoper's website.

By Alexandra Hudson MUNICH, Germany (Reuters) - Wearing an elegant trouser-suit and an air of defiance, the suspected surviving member of a German neo-Nazi cell strode into a Munich court on Monday to stand trial for a series of racist murders that scandalized Germany and led to intense soul-searching about the lack of vigilance towards the far right.

As angry anti-racism protesters rallied outside the courthouse Monday, the woman at the centre of a landmark German neo-Nazi murder trial was the picture of calm. As Beate Zschaepe entered the courtroom, arms casually crossed and looking confident, she briefly glanced toward the television cameras, then turned her back on them. The 38-year-old -- best known to the public looking dishevelled in a 2011 police mugshot -- now sported a black pantsuit, pressed white shirt, earrings and a glossy new hairstyle.