Lithuanian residents expressed dissatisfaction with the "cancellation" of Tchaikovsky in the country

The famous ballet production based on the music of Russian composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" has fallen victim to the "culture of cancellation" in Lithuania after the start of Russia's special military operation in Ukraine. This was reported by The New York Times on December 22.

Two years ago, Lithuania, which supported Kiev in the conflict with Moscow, abandoned traditional productions of "The Nutcracker" during the Christmas season, declaring a so-called mental quarantine from Russian culture. Such a move, the media wrote, caused great discontent among theatergoers.

Recently, a new government came to power in Lithuania, and the new Minister of Culture Sharunas Birutis said that he likes to listen to Tchaikovsky and it is necessary to separate culture from politics. The minister's remarks "infuriated supporters of Ukraine," but there was applause from fans of Russian music.

"Many representatives of the art world oppose the ban of works on the basis of nationality, believing that culture has a unifying force and should not be polluted by politics", - stated in the material.

Earlier, December 5, Lithuanian Culture Minister Birutis said that he condemns attempts to cancel Russian culture in the Republic. In his opinion, Lithuanian officials should distinguish between culture and politics. He emphasized that Lithuania is home to a significant number of Russian-speaking citizens. The minister believes it is wrong to put negative labels on nationality, saying that politicians should not do so.

In November 2023, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the policy of "abolishing Russia" was racist and anti-cultural. The head of state emphasized that art still knows no borders despite sanctions and any other bans. Shortly after that, the Russian leader said that the Russian Federation had faced Russophobia in the Baltics long before the start of a special military operation to defend Donbas.