UK Activists Call to Cancel Anna Netrebko’s Performance in London Over Ties to Russian Propaganda
A heated debate has erupted in the United Kingdom regarding the participation of Russian opera singer Anna Netrebko in upcoming performances in London.
Cultural and political figures, including representatives from Ukraine, have openly urged the leadership of the Royal Opera House to revoke her invitation due to her alleged connections to Russian cultural propaganda.
The Guardian reports that 50 prominent individuals from the cultural, political, and civic spheres have signed an open letter, including Ukraine’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Kyslytsia, renowned writers Andriy Kurkov and Serhiy Zhadan, and British MP Alex Sobel.
They emphasize that Netrebko remains one of the most prominent symbols of Russian cultural propaganda, actively utilized by the Russian regime to shape a positive image and exert influence on the global community, especially amid the ongoing war against Ukraine.
The letter sharply criticizes the Royal Ballet and Opera’s leadership for justifying their previous support for Ukraine as being driven by “global consensus,” which they now claim has shifted due to the complex geopolitical situation.
The authors argue that modern theaters must choose between ethics and commercial interests, responsibility and profit, silence and conscience.
They call on artistic communities to stand on the side of truth and history instead of succumbing to commercial or political pressures.
This wave of protests echoes recent cancellations of performances, such as that of Russian conductor Valery Gergiev in Italy.
These developments reflect the growing mistrust towards Russian artists amid the ongoing conflict, highlighting the role of the cultural sector in the broader geopolitical landscape.