\n
\n\tLONDON: The UK\u2019s Royal Ballet and Opera has canceled a planned 2026 production of \u201cTosca\u201d at the Israeli Opera in Tel Aviv, after nearly 200 members of staff signed a letter criticizing the organization\u2019s ties to Israel amid the war in Gaza, it was reported on Monday.<\/p>\n
\n\tCompany chief executive officer Alex Beard confirmed the decision in an internal message in which he acknowledged the letter and told staff: \u201cWe have made the decision that our new production of \u201cTosca\u201d will not be going to Israel.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\tA total of 182 members of the Royal Opera and Ballet, including dancers, musicians, singers and technical staff, signed the open letter on Friday denouncing the \u201crecent actions and decisions taken by the RBO in the context of the ongoing genocide in Gaza.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\tIn particular, they condemned the recent hiring out of the organization\u2019s \u201cTurandot\u201d production to the Israeli Opera for performances that took place last month, The Guardian newspaper reported on Monday.<\/p>\n
\n\t\u201cThe decision cannot be viewed as neutral,\u201d they wrote. \u201cIt is a deliberate alignment, materially and symbolically, with a government currently engaged in crimes against humanity.<\/p>\n
\n\t\u201cThe venue itself, the Israeli Opera, publicly offers free tickets to soldiers of the Israeli Defense Forces \u2018in recognition of their work,\u2019 as stated on their website.<\/p>\n
\n\t\u201cThe RBO is clearly making a strong political statement by allowing its production and intellectual property to be presented in a space that openly rewards and legitimizes the very forces responsible for the daily killings of civilians in Gaza.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\tThe letter demanded that the organization \u201cwithholds our productions from institutions that legitimise and economically support a state engaged in the mass killing of civilians,\u201d and rejects \u201cany current or future performances in Israel.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\tIt also offered support for performer Daniel Perry, who raised a Palestinian flag on stage during a curtain call on July 19 in what the letter described as \u201can act of courage and moral clarity.\u201d It accused the RBO\u2019s director of opera, Oliver Mears, of reacting aggressively.<\/p>\n
\n\t\u201cWe witnessed (Mears) attempting to forcibly snatch the flag from the performer, displaying visible anger and aggression in front of the entire audience,\u201d the letter said.<\/p>\n
\n\t\u201cFar from being a neutral administrative intervention, (his) act was itself a loud political statement. It sent a clear message that any visible solidarity with Palestine would be met with hostility.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\tPerry has stated that Mears subsequently told him he would \u201cnever work for the Opera House ever again.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\tThe employees who signed the letter also highlighted what they described as a \u201cdeafening\u201d double standard, noting the organization\u2019s open support for Ukraine following the invasion by Russia in 2022, adding: \u201cWe understood then that silence was unacceptable. Why is it different now?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\tIn response, Beard said: \u201cI am appalled by the crisis in Gaza and recognize the deep emotional impact this has had across our community and wider society. On this issue, we acknowledge and respect the full range of views held by our staff, artists and audiences.<\/p>\n
\n\t\u201cThe events at the curtain call on July 19 were without precedent. We have reflected carefully and reviewed our internal protocols. We always endeavor to act with integrity and compassion. We want our stage to remain a space for shared cultural appreciation, free from individual political statements.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\tThe RBO\u2019s support for Ukraine was \u201caligned with the global consensus at the time,\u201d he added, but global geopolitics had become more complex and so the organization\u2019s stance had changed to ensure its actions reflected its \u201cpurpose and values.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\tThe Israeli Opera removed details of the production of \u201cTosca\u201d from its website but has not commented on the cancellation.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
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