Politics versus Art

• In Event: New Perspectives on Russian Theater and Performing Arts II: Liberation and Displacement: Russian Actors, Directors, Musicians, Theatre and Film Critics in Exile I

Abstract

February 24, 2022 is a watershed, after which it is necessary to radically revise previous values, ties, development paths, and the cultural space itself. The Baltic countries are a springboard where there are significant shifts in public opinion in relation to Russia and Russian culture, cultural heritage, as well as contemporary figures of culture. Each example of cooperation between Latvian artists and artists from Russia is considered as a political act, even at the same time. The most serious debate in the media and social networks is caused by the decision made by Alvis Hermanis to accept Chulpan Khamatova, who previously publicly supported Vladimir Putin's regime, to the NRT troupe. Active protests do not stop, despite the fact that she expressed condemnation of the military invasion of Ukraine. The resonance rises even more after she was awarded the National Theater Award for her one-man show Post Scriptum (2022). The performance is also nominated for the National Prize.

Author

• Edite Tisheizere, U of Latvia (Latvia)