Like the Russian government, the Bolshoi Theatre, which houses two of the world's largest opera and ballet groups, is distancing itself from the West due to Moscow's military campaign in Ukraine and turning eastward towards China.
The director of the Bolshoi, Vladimir Urin, in a press conference in Moscow where he announced the theater's program for 2023/24, said he regretted the loss of the regular creative collaboration he had with Western theater companies and artists.
"I am deeply convinced ... that only culture and art can truly help nations understand each other," he said. "Even in the complex and difficult situation we have now in the world."
The Bolshoi ballet has already scheduled a visit to China in July, and Urin said detailed discussions were underway about the ballet and opera that will go to China in 2024.
However, he said the reasons for this are not economic and that it is a myth that tours abroad generate significant income.
"It's more of an image issue, to share the things we know how to do ... it's about creativity more than anything else."
This season includes another premiere, Verdi's opera Luisa Miller, starring 37-year-old Italian tenor Antonio Poli, who has no qualms about performing in Russia, even if it means traveling via Turkey due to Western sanctions.
"Many, many Italian and international singers come here," he said. "For the first time, I have to say it's really a wonderful place for rehearsals and to sing."
The Bolshoi Orchestra is set to collaborate for the first time this year with Moscow's Maliy Theater for a production of Alexander Ostrovsky's play "The Snow Maiden," marking 150 years since its first performance, with music by Tchaikovsky.
The ballet will also travel to the capital of Belarus, Minsk, in November and to Oman in January.
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