What was to be the celebration of the ballet’s hundredth anniversary has now turned into utter tragedy. Initially scheduled for the 31st March, the live screening of ‘The Rite of Spring’ at the Eden Cinema has been cancelled due to shocking and unforeseen circumstances. Mr. Sergei Filin, the artistic Director of the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, was savagely assaulted when a man threw acid into his face. Consequently, Mr Filin has endured extreme pain as a result of third-degree burns as well as several surgical procedures. Circumstances have taken a turn for the worse as it seems probable that the Director will lose sight in one eye. Moreover, it has been suggested that his recovery will take a minimum of six months.
Owing to this dreadful tragedy, a decision has been made by the Bolshoi Theatre together with choreographer Wayne McGregor to postpone the production. It is for this reason that the live screening of ‘The Rite of Spring’ has been cancelled worldwide, and also at the Eden Cinemas. The production has been put on hold and a new date will only be established once the artistic Director has made a full recovery and is able to return to the theatre. Nevertheless, the horror of such an event makes it highly unlikely that the production will ever take place.
