Swansea Council cancels Grand Theatre ballet performances over Russia links

Swansea Council, who run the city’s Grand Theatre have cancelled performances of ballets Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty, considering it “inappropriate to stage the shows at this point”.

The performances were due to take place on 17 and 18 November by a company called “The Russian State Ballet and Opera House”.

The England-based company has denied any links to the Russian political state and has since rebranded themselves “Classical Ballet and Opera House”.

The council have decided to cancel November’s performances anyway.

A spokesperson for Swansea Council said: “Although the promoters have stated that they have no connection with the Russian political state, we consider it inappropriate to stage the shows at this point.

“We have informed the promoters that the shows are cancelled. Those who have bought tickets will be refunded.

“The Grand Theatre offers a wide, engaging and increasingly diverse programme to as it continues to play a key role in Swansea’s cultural life.

“The recent launch of our Grand Ambition initiative will help the theatre attract new audiences and develop local talent.

“The council supports the venue, has maintained it in excellent condition through the pandemic and we look forward to audiences enjoying its forthcoming rich and varied programme.”

“We deplore the unacceptable aggression that President Putin has taken against the people of Ukraine, bringing war once more to the continent of Europe

“We stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

“Swansea is known for being a city of sanctuary and as such we stand ready to support any people who are displaced following the terrible actions taken by the president of Russia by invading a sovereign state.”

Last week the council announced that they would be bringing an emergency notice of motion in solidarity with Ukraine to its next full council meeting on 3 March.

It has been lighting up the city’s historic Grade 1 listed Guildhall in blue and yellow, the colours of Ukraine’s flag, to show its support.

Ballet company distances themselves from Russia

The ballet company, whose parent company is called Amande Concerts, has been attempting to distance itself from Russia, following the country’s invasion of neighbour Ukraine.

In an earlier online statement, Amande Concerts said: “In light of the current tragic situation in Ukraine, we would like to make clear a few facts and state our position.

“It goes without saying that we strongly condemn the violence in Ukraine. Arts and politics are not connected, these are innocent people who are being affected. They cannot alter any political situation; however, they do feel the effect of them!

“This production is brought to you by an English company Amande Concerts Ltd, registered in UK, who have worked with the best of the best performing arts organisations from Eastern Europe for over twenty years.

“Russian State Opera is a brand name established by a UK company, Amande Concerts. This brand acts as an umbrella for the presentation of artists of many different nationalities that have graduated from artistic institutions in Russia and countries that were formerly part of the Soviet Union. We understand the potential for confusion this name causes, but there is no link between Amande Concerts to the Russian ‘state’ as a political entity.

“The Russian State Opera is a UK registered trademark that has been used in the same context as for example English National Ballet. The brand name only relates to the geographical location of the performing artists. Amande Concerts Ltd, does NOT receive any public or commercial money from Russian organisations. Amande Concerts has been self-sufficient WITHOUT any sponsoring support from ANY state or organisation, including Great Britain.

“Please also note that Amande Concerts brings ballet and opera productions from Eastern Europe, including Russia, which include various nationalities. We have in our casts, nationalities from all over the world including Russia, Belarus, Siberia, USA, Japan, France, Kazakhstan, Estonia, and of course, Ukraine. The latter individuals who are also currently on tour in the UK still have family members currently in Ukraine and of course, are even more affected by the current situation.

“Furthermore, I would like to state that the current opera theatre that is on tour in the UK, is based in the region of autonomous republic of Mari El, in northern, central part of Russia. This region has its own unique culture which is closely related to Finno-Hungarian roots. The opera theatre is its own entity and is part of the cultural ministry of Mari El republic.

“In light of the current situation, Amande Concerts, has removed the brand name Russian State Opera’ from all media, and replaced with Amande Concerts.”

(Lead image: Kiran Ridley / Swansea Council)