The Russian theatre director Kerill Serebrennikov has been awarded one of the Prizes for Theatrical Realities in the context of the festivities of Premio Europa per il Teatro, held in Rome between the 12th and the 17th of December. However, he could not go to Rome to receive his prize, as he is still under house arrest in Moscow, isolated from the world and unable to continue his work. Despite this situation, his production Nureyev opened a few days ago at the Bolshoi Theatre.
The International Association of Theatre Critics shares the deep worries of the Russian critics, who already launched a protest in August, against the arrest of Serebrennikov. The accusations brought to him, alleging misuse of funds in his theatre, do not justify his prolonged detainment. This rendered him incapable of receiving his prize in Rome, and made it impossible for him to go back to work while waiting for his trial.
The world of the arts and free expression will never accept the manoeuvres of any state trying to stop an artist from speaking with a clear voice for freedom.
Rome, December 17, 2017
