The Arcimboldi Opera and Ballet Theater in Milan has canceled the ballet Rasputin, in which the main role is played by Russian Sergei Polunin. The performances were scheduled to take place on January 28 and 29, 2023.
AT statement theater said that the decision was made in agreement with the artists. The ballet was canceled due to a public campaign against the artist’s performance. The show had previously been postponed several times due to coronavirus restrictions and a dancer’s injury.
“The theater management wishes to clarify that this is not a cultural decision, but a social responsibility: in an environment of tension and threats, it is difficult for us to maintain our artistic choices, our values of pacifism and tolerance are inherent in the theatre’s program itself,” Arcimboldi said. .
Former Royal Ballet London premiere Sergei Polunin is known for his support of President Vladimir Putin. He was born in Kherson in Ukraine and received Russian citizenship in 2018. The dancer has several tattoos with the face of Vladimir Putin. At the same time, his body is also decorated with Kolovrat and Ukrainian trident.