SEOUL – A scheduled performance in Seoul featuring Svetlana Zakharova, a prominent ballerina from Russia's Bolshoi Ballet known for her support of Russian President Vladimir Putin, was canceled on Friday in response to public outcry. The decision comes amidst heightened tensions due to the conflict between Moscow and Kyiv. Zakharova, a Ukrainian-born Russian dancer, was set to perform in "Modanse" at the Seoul Arts Center from April 17 to 21, alongside lead dancers from the Bolshoi Ballet.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the organizer of the show, the cancellation was influenced by safety concerns for both the artist and the audience, as well as a request from the Seoul Arts Center. The company extended its apologies to those who had been anticipating the performance, seeking understanding from the public. The Russian Embassy in Seoul lamented the decision, advocating for the separation of arts and politics, and criticized the campaigns against Russian cultural exchanges.
Zakharova's affiliations with the United Russia party and her public support for Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 have sparked controversy. The Ukrainian Embassy in South Korea had also voiced opposition to the performance, arguing that it effectively disregards the ongoing conflict and suffering of the Ukrainian people.
The focus now shifts to whether other performances involving Russian ballet dancers in Seoul will face similar opposition. Notably, the "Bolshoi Ballet Gala Concert 2024 in Seoul" is still on the calendar for April 16-18 at the Sejong Centre for the Performing Arts, alongside a collaborative performance featuring the Mariinsky and Bolshoi Ballets scheduled for May 16-19.