The National Opera of Ukraine in Kyiv will perform Sir Frederick Ashton’s "La Fille mal gardée" for the first time, replacing classic Russian ballets like "Swan Lake" and "The Nutcracker" due to a government-mandated boycott of Russian culture, which is seen as a weapon by Vladimir Putin.
‘It will lift the spirits’: Kyiv to stage ‘most English of ballets’ after Russian repertoire boycott
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The National Opera of Ukraine in Kyiv will perform Sir Frederick Ashton’s "La Fille mal gardée" for the first time, replacing classic Russian ballets like "Swan Lake" and "The Nutcracker" due to a government-mandated boycott of Russian culture, which is seen as a weapon by Vladimir Putin.
Trending- 1 1960: Frederick Ashton's choreography for La Fille mal gardée first staged.
- 2 1986: Nobuhiro Terada moves to Ukraine.
- 3 Autumn 2022: Donetsk Opera and Ballet theatre performs 'Z' symbol; Ukrainian minister of culture decides "no more" Russian repertoire.
- 4 Three years ago (2022): Full-scale invasion begins.
- 5 2022: Nobuhiro Terada appointed director.
- 6 Past: Fundraising in London by Ivan Putrov and Antony Gormley.
- 7 Thursday (June 12, 2025): La Fille mal gardée to be performed for the first time in Kyiv.
- 8 Ongoing: La Fille mal gardée production to run for at least five years.
- Boycott of Russian ballets in Ukraine
- New international productions staged in Kyiv
- Cultural institutions adapting to wartime conditions
- Debate and differing opinions among performers regarding the boycott
- Stage crew numbers reduced due to call-ups
What: The National Opera of Ukraine in Kyiv is staging Sir Frederick Ashton’s "La Fille mal gardée," an English ballet, for the first time, as a replacement for Russian repertoire (e.g., Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky, Prokofiev) due to a boycott initiated by the Ukrainian government.
When: The performance is scheduled for "Thursday" (presumably June 12, 2025, given the article date). The boycott began after the Donetsk Opera and Ballet theatre performed a pro-war 'Z' symbol in autumn 2022. The full-scale invasion was three years ago (2022).
Where: Kyiv, Ukraine (National Opera of Ukraine), London, United Kingdom (fundraising), Donetsk, Russian-occupied Ukraine.
Why: The Ukrainian government initiated the boycott because Vladimir Putin is using Russian culture as a "weapon" and justification for the war. The move also aims to lift spirits and provide a different cultural experience during wartime.
How: Fundraising efforts in London by Ivan Putrov and Antony Gormley made the production possible, with Jean-Pierre Gasquet waiving his fee. The opera house is also seeking international assistance for other productions.