South Africans protest against Russian ballet Swan Lake
South Africans protesting against local performances of the Russian ballet Swan Lake on home soil said a stand needs to be taken.
Protestors gathered on Saturday outside Montecasino in Joburg to picket against performances currently showcasing there.
The ballet was initially announced in 2020, under the St Petersberg Ballet Company, but is now understood to be under an Australian-based company.
Still, the Ukrainian Association of South Africa, which is leading the picket, argues the cast and messaging remain the same.
Protestor Jana Fourie on Saturday explained to the publication that they initially wanted the shows cancelled altogether.
“The ideal outcome would have been if the shows were called off and tickets returned and refunded, that would have been the ideal goal.”
Fourie said with that now off the table, they still believe they need to draw awareness to the issue.
“At least a stand needs to be made and it said that we are not okay with this and we condemn this – even if the company can just say we condemn it.”
We were at @ArtscapeTheatre last night to protest against the russian ballet.
We’ll be protesting again on these dates and times, come join us:15 Jul. @ 2pm and 6pm
16 Jul. @ 1pm and 5pm
22 Jul. @ 2pm and 6pm
23 Jul. @ 1pm and 5pm#BoycottStPetersburgBallet pic.twitter.com/PVEMOnSx6H— Ukrainian Association of South Africa (@UkrainianAfrica) July 13, 2023
-EWN
In other news – House of Zwide actress Shalate Sekhabi (Shoki’s) real age has Mzansi talking
Talented South African young star, House of Zwide star actress Shalate Sekhabi shocked fans after revealing her age on her birthday. Most fans did not seem to know Shalate’s age when she acted on the show as Shoki.
Some fans thought she was way younger than her actual age, which they discovered on her birthday. Learn More
