British Opera Company Cancels ‘Tosca’ Collaboration in Israel After Criticism

The Royal Ballet and Opera, a prominent British opera company, has decided to cancel its planned collaboration in Israel next year. This decision comes after nearly 200 staff members signed an open letter criticizing the company's stance on the war in Gaza. The letter, addressed to the Royal Ballet and Opera's artistic director and executive director, expressed concerns about the company's perceived neutrality on the conflict in Gaza. The signatories argued that by performing in Israel, the company would be implicitly endorsing the country's policies and actions. In response, the Royal Ballet and Opera announced that it would be scrapping the planned performances in Tel Aviv. The company stated that it aims to remain neutral on political issues and that the cancellation was made to avoid any perceived endorsement of one side of the conflict. This decision highlights the ongoing debates surrounding the role of arts and cultural institutions in political conflicts and the challenges they face in navigating these sensitive issues.