The planned Modanse performance in South Korea, featuring Bolshoi Theater prima ballerina Svetlana Zakharova, was abruptly cancelled. The news was conveyed by TASS, citing the event organizers. [TASS]]
The Seoul engagement was set to run from April 17 to 21, with a backdrop of safety concerns that organizers attributed to the need to protect both audiences and performers. The cancellation took place at the Seoul Arts Center, and organizers stated their commitment to safeguarding everyone’s well-being as the primary reason for pulling the production. [TASS]]
Representatives handling ticket sales and event coordination expressed regret to those who had purchased seats, promising refunds and offering a sincere apology to everyone looking forward to the show. The language used emphasized empathy and understanding for fans who had hoped to experience the performance. [TASS]]
InArts Production, the tour organizer, echoed the safety concerns that prompted the cancellation, noting that plans for the event had been in motion even before the pandemic era, underscoring a long-standing commitment to audience protection. [InArts Production statement]]
The Ukrainian Embassy in the Republic of Korea voiced protest over Svetlana Zakharova’s remarks made in early March, urging Seoul to reconsider cultural cooperation with Russia. The position was supported by representatives of the European Union, highlighting a broader geopolitical dimension to the cultural exchange. [Ukrainian Embassy in Korea, EU statement]]
In response, the Russian embassy in Seoul characterized the actions of Ukrainian and European diplomats as reckless, framing the discourse as politically charged rather than purely cultural. [Russian Embassy in Seoul]]
From April 16 to 18, the Bolshoi Theater had a separate program scheduled in Seoul under the banner of Ballet Gala Concert, a development that Ukrainian diplomats again opposed amid the ongoing controversy surrounding cultural exchanges. [Bolshoi Ballet Gala Concert schedule, Ukrainian diplomats]]
The day before, it was noted that the Berlin State Opera would continue its collaboration with opera singer Anna Netrebko, a development mentioned in the context of comparative cultural collaborations amid the broader political discourse. [Berlin State Opera]]
Former singer Pupo, real name Enzo Ghinazzi, spoke about the embargo on any nation and argued that the erasure of Russian culture from Western contexts would be a mistake, reflecting a stance against blanket bans on cultural expressions. [Pupo interview]]