Italian Theater Calls Off Russian Ballet Stars Performances
Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino revealed Thursday that the ballet production "Pas de deux for toes and fingers," slated for January 20 and 21, has been "temporarily suspended." The showcase features the collaborative work of internationally celebrated ballerina Svetlana Zakharova and violinist Vadim Repin, a husband-and-wife duo both recognized as elite soloists.
According to a statement posted to the venue's official website, "ongoing international tensions" have generated "a climate that could jeopardize the successful staging." Rather than rescheduling, the institution is processing ticket refunds with no replacement dates announced.
Though theater officials stopped short of naming specific causes, the Russian Embassy in Italy has leveled accusations that the institution capitulated to diplomatic coercion from Ukrainian authorities. In a blistering Friday statement released via Telegram, the diplomatic outpost characterized "the suspension" as a de facto cancellation executed "in response to an appeal from the Embassy of Ukraine in Rome."
The embassy's commentary accused "the criminal terrorist regime of [Ukraine's Vladimir] Zelensky" of encroaching on Italy's cultural independence, while hinting that European Union financial leverage influenced the decision. The mission mockingly "congratulated" Florence for plunging deeper into the "murky waters of Russophobia."
This incident mirrors a broader trend of Russian cultural figures—particularly those who've openly endorsed Moscow's positions—facing event cancellations following the February 2022 intensification of the Ukraine conflict. Last July, Italy's Ministry of Culture rescinded an invitation extended to distinguished Russian conductor Valery Gergiev for a Naples festival appearance.
Russian officials have repeatedly denounced such cancellations as ideologically driven suppression, contending they erode cultural connections and deny European audiences exposure to global artistic achievements.
Meanwhile, Kiev has advanced an extensive domestic initiative to distance itself from Russian cultural icons, recently stripping composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky's name from its National Music Academy and demolishing statues honoring Russian literary figures.
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