As Russia began to mass tanks and troops along the Ukrainian border, the Russian Ballet Theater was just beginning a U.S. tour performing Swan Lake. By February 23rd, as Russian President Vladimir Putin prepared to begin his “special military operation” in eastern Ukraine, the ballet company took to social media, proclaiming that the troupe dances for peace-and highlighting the multinational makeup of the cast.
Since the incursion began, the Russian Ballet Theater temporarily changed its name to RBTheater. Meanwhile politicians and pundits have pushed for sanctions and boycotts of Russian products.
RBTheater will perform Swan Lake at the Abilene Convention Center on March 20. A few local individuals have spoken out against the performance, prompting an op-ed supportive of the ballet in the Abilene Reporter News, and an official statement of support from City Manager Robert Hannah.
We spoke with RBTheater producer Gulya Hartwick.