Florence theatre cancels performance by Russian artists after appeal from Ukrainian embassy

Maggio Musicale Fiorentino theatre in Florence, Italy, has cancelled a performance by Russian artists who openly support Kremlin policy on Ukraine, including ballerina Svetlana Zakharova.

Source: European Pravda, citing Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine; website of the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino theatre

Details: Ukraine's Foreign Ministry said that the decision followed a principled stance by the management of the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino theatre and Florence city hall, as well as efforts by the Embassy of Ukraine in Italy.

Quote: "This decision is a significant demonstration of solidarity with Ukraine and support for international law during Russia's full-scale war. While the aggressor state commits crimes against the Ukrainian people every day and destroys Ukraine's cultural heritage, the participation of public representatives of Russia in the cultural space of European countries cannot be separated from their personal stance and responsibility for this war."

More details: The ministry thanked Italy and Italian society for consistent support in the fight for freedom and said that it highly valued the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino theatre's decision as an example of genuine European solidarity.

The theatre has said that the ballet Pas de deux for toes and fingers, featuring Svetlana Zakharova and Vadim Repin, scheduled for 20 January and 21 January, was "temporarily suspended due to the ongoing international tensions, which have created a climate that could jeopardise the successful staging of the performance".

Background:

• A pianist's concert in the Netherlands was cancelled in November after she performed with pro-Putin musicians.
• Lithuania has also barred Russian rapper Alisher Morgenstern from entering the country.

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