Bolshoi Theatre in Russia scraps by critical directors

MOSCOW: The Bolshoi Theatre in Russia has stated that it would cancel performances directed by Kirill Serebrennikov and Timofey Kulyabin, both of whom have spoken out against Moscow’s military assault in Ukraine.

Late Sunday, Russia’s premier theatre stated that instead of three performances of Serebrennikov’s ballet “Nureev,” viewers will witness a staging of Aram Khachaturian’s dance “Spartacus” this week.

The famous theatre also announced that instead of “Don Pasquale,” a comedic opera by Gaetano Donizetti staged by Timofey Kulyabin, spectators will witness “The Barber of Seville” this week.

The Bolshoi did not explain why the performances were cancelled, and spokeswoman Katerina Novikova told AFP on Monday that she had no “official” statement.

The Bolshoi Theatre presented “Spartacus” in early April, with earnings going to the families of Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine.

Serebrennikov, 52, was granted permission to leave Russia in March after being found guilty of embezzling cash at Moscow’s Gogol Centre theatre in 2020.

His supporters claim that his sentence was retaliation for his criticism of President Vladimir Putin’s autocracy and homophobia.

Last month, in an interview with AFP in Berlin, Serebrennikov expressed his “horror, misery, guilt, and pain” over Russia’s military incursion into pro-Western Ukraine.

 “Nureev,” based on the life of Russian dancing star Rudolf Nureyev, enraged Russian conservatives with its use of onstage nudity and foul language.

Kulyabin, 37, has spoken out against Putin’s plan to send soldiers to Ukraine. He is reported to be located in Europe presently.

A number of dancers, including prima ballerina Olga Smirnova, have recently left the Bolshoi.

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