“It was a provocation”: Anatoly Solovyanenko about the repertoire of theaters during the war

The well-known director and artistic director of the National Opera of Ukraine, whose ballerina went to the front, told why Europe has not yet abandoned the Russian repertoire. In an interview with the “Fulcrum” project, Anatoly Solovyanenko said that after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the National Opera completely abandoned the Russian repertoire.

- This is a serious policy, which is systematically and consistently pursued by representatives of the aggressor state, - told Anatoly Solovyanenko. - Huge amounts of money are being invested in this. Yes, Russian art has become the subject and instrument of ideological propaganda in the world. Therefore, we made an unequivocal decision for ourselves that we exclude this repertoire from our programs. This is the principled position of the entire theater team. Our soloists do not participate in such projects. Receive an invitation - it’s true, but do not participate.

Solovyanenko is outraged that the world-famous La Scala theater in Milan began the new season on December 7, 2022 with the play Boris Godunov.

- It was the first case in the history of the theater when the season was opened by Russian opera, the director says. - This is a fundamental position! The December 2022 repertoire included only two performances - Boris Godunov and The Nutcracker. This was followed by a concert by Netrebko, and the season was closed with the ballet “Swan Lake”. I am absolutely sure that this was a provocative position paid for by the Russians.

Anatoly Solovyanenko noted that Poland was the first to refuse to show Russian performances and music. This decision was taken at the state level. Other European countries have not yet made such a decision.

— Two forces should be emphasized — director thinks. - On the one hand, this is serious lobbying, including backed by large finances. And on the other hand, this is a certain passivity of the audience to the comprehension that takes place in Ukraine. We include part of Ukrainian music in all tour concerts. And there is a certain interest in Ukrainian music now in Europe and the world. Yes, we do not have a financial cushion, like the Russians, but we have talented artists. Because this is the business of each of us.

Earlier wrote that Lesya Nikityuk gave vent to emotions.