A mother and her young daughter left a performance at Lithuania's National Opera and Ballet Theater during intermission, expressing dissatisfaction with a substitute for Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker." The decision to replace the Russian composer's holiday classic stems from Lithuania's ongoing cultural boycott of Russian works, initiated two years ago as a show of solidarity with Ukraine amid the war with Russia.
Egle Brediene, 38, criticized the replacement ballet, stating, "Everything about ‘The Nutcracker’ is much better — the music, the dance, the story." The cultural boycott has faced mixed reactions, but recent comments from Lithuania's new culture minister, Sarunas Birutis, reignited the debate. Birutis expressed his fondness for Tchaikovsky and questioned the need to avoid Russian culture, suggesting that enjoying a Christmas ballet does not equate to supporting the Kremlin.
This statement sparked outrage among supporters of Ukraine and praise from advocates of Russian music, highlighting a generational divide over the intersection of culture and politics during wartime. Many artists argue against banning works based on nationality, asserting that culture should unite rather than be politicized.
Darius Kuolys, a former culture minister, emphasized the importance of artistic freedom, recalling that he did not halt performances of Russian works during Lithuania's struggle for independence from the Soviet Union. He warned that excluding Russian artists could harm Lithuania's cultural landscape, given the historical ties between the two nations.
Simonas Kairys, the previous culture minister, clarified that he had only made recommendations regarding Russian works, which led to the opera house's decision to withdraw "The Nutcracker." He maintained that during wartime, choosing sides is essential.
The debate over cultural representation has intensified, with some arguing that Russian culture has been used by the Kremlin for propaganda. Arunas Gelunas, director of the Lithuanian National Museum of Art, advocated for pausing Russian performances, citing the ongoing atrocities in Ukraine.
Conversely, supporters of Tchaikovsky argue that his works transcend political issues and should not be excluded from performances. Tatiana Kuznetsova, a Lithuanian citizen with Ukrainian heritage, stated, "Tchaikovsky belongs to the world, not to Russia," emphasizing the need to separate art from politics.
The new culture minister's comments have drawn criticism from political opponents, with Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas urging him to focus on government priorities rather than Russian culture. Many Lithuanians, including Kristina Borkowska, expressed disappointment over the absence of "The Nutcracker," questioning its connection to the ongoing conflict.
Despite the backlash, the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theater has also limited the performance of Russian compositions, citing their potential for propaganda use. Audrius Kundrotas from the opera house acknowledged audience preferences for "The Nutcracker" but confirmed that there are currently no plans to revive Tchaikovsky's ballets until the war concludes.
In summary, the cultural landscape in Lithuania remains contentious as the nation grapples with its historical ties to Russia while supporting Ukraine in the ongoing conflict.