Ukraine’s Ambassador to Hungary Attempts to Ban Russian Diva from Opera

Szilveszter Okovacs, the director of the Hungarian State Opera, elegantly rejects the request.

Illustration. Director Szilveszter Okovacs delivers a speech on the 140th anniversary of the Hungarian State Opera House in Budapest (Photo: Hungarian State Opera / Attila Nagy).

Hungary - an Island of Peace

"Finally, let me remind you that Hungary is an island of peace, and so is our Opera House, which employs many outstanding Ukrainian and Russian dancers. Our goal is to provide comfort and solace through the power of art," wrote Okovacs. He recalled that three weeks after the outbreak of the war, the Opera House’s reopening ceremony featured a ballet performance by both Ukrainian and Russian dancers. Similarly, in their Christmas video, a beautiful mixed-nationality couple from the ensemble played the lead roles.

On the threshold of a hoped-for ceasefire, and perhaps in the antechamber of peace, I particularly wish to protect the tranquility, intelligent inner workings, and political neutrality of Hungary’s largest performing arts institution," concluded Okovacs, who also invited Sandor Fegyir to attend a performance at the Opera.

Cover photo: Illustration. Director Szilveszter Okovacs delivers a speech on the 140th anniversary of the Hungarian State Opera House in Budapest (Photo: Hungarian State Opera / Attila Nagy).