Ukrainian artist expelled after protesting Russian jury member’s seat at Italian festival

Ukrainian circus performer Anna Petrenko was disqualified during her performance at the International Salieri Circus Award festival in Italy when she protested the inclusion of a Russian on the jury panel of the contest.

“When I was traveling to the festival, I didn’t know that for the first time since its inception, a representative from the aggressor country, Russia, would be invited to the jury,” Petrenko said.

Upon learning that Moscow State Circus director Maxim Nikulin sat on the jury panel, the artist took to the stage with a Ukrainian flag and leaflets that stated, “Nikulin supports the invasion of Ukraine.”

Nikulin is the son of famous Soviet-era actor Yuri Nikuln. 

“During a war, accepting an award from the hands of the aggressor is considered normal and entirely ethical by the organizers. I couldn’t do it,” Petrenko stated on her Instagram account.

 

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Допис, поширений Anna Dell’arte (@annadellart)

Just seconds after the on-stage protest began, organizers turned off the stage lights. However, Petrenko descended into the audience and started distributing printed leaflets to those present.

“I apologize to the audience who didn’t see my performance yesterday… Through my act, I express my dissatisfaction and label the organizers’ decision as an attempt to rehabilitate the image of Russia, the aggressor in the war against Ukraine,” the performance artist said.

Ultimately, the festival organizers expelled Petrenko from the competition for her actions, stating that the event was intended to be a “symbol of unity” among cultural figures, as reported by the Italian publication Corriere del Veneto.

The International Salieri Circus Award, held for the fourth consecutive year, took place on  Sept. 26-30, featuring contestants from 22 countries.