Post-Release | Protest against Netrebko’s performance

On Sunday, October 6, 2024, Vitsche organized a protest outside the Staatsoper Unter den Linden in Berlin in response to Anna Netrebko’s performance, despite her documented support for russian aggression in 2014 and her vague statements since 2022. Despite public appeals, the Staatsoper allowed her to perform, citing her so-called “antiwar stance,” which reflects little more than her affinity for russia. The opera’s director defended the decision by claiming Netrebko is “an outstanding artist who, due to her status, should serve as an example.” However, the protest highlighted that, as a public figure, Netrebko bears even greater responsibility. Her actions and words should set a positive example, yet she currently demonstrates how to evade accountability.

Hundreds attended, with speakers like Kateryna Rietz-Rakul, Richard Herzinger, and Saba Farzan emphasizing the duty of cultural institutions to hold accountable those who backed russian imperialism and the war russia started in 2014. The speakers reminded the crowd of Netrebko’s ties to putin and her support for the annexation of Crimea and Luhansk and Donetsk regions, underscoring that culture cannot be separated from politics, and public figures must be held responsible when they support oppressive regimes.

“Because we know, of course, that the war russia is waging in Ukraine today is not the beginning of russian expansionism and neo-imperialism. Before that, there were wars in Chechnya, Georgia, and Moldova. When Putin awarded Netrebko the title of ‘People’s Artist’ in 2009 — the highest honor for artists in russia — she said in an interview with a state-run russian newspaper, after the war in Georgia, that she has always stood firmly with russia and condemned Western coverage of russian aggression in Georgia as one-sided. She also stated that she reacts very negatively to attacks on russia and always, I quote, ‘discusses and defends the russian position.’ The russian invasion of Georgia was merely a precursor to the current russo-Ukrainian war. […] I firmly believe that artists, as well as cultural institutions, must be aware of their influence in society and exercise their political stances responsibly. After carefully considering all the facts, I have concluded that Anna Netrebko’s political reputation is controversial and cannot be altered by a vague statement ‘against the war’ that she has made. I hope that we will continue to protest against Anna Netrebko into the third year as well.”

– Kateryna Rietz-Rakul, Head of the Ukrainian Institute in Germany.

The protest, which also included a musical performance by techno producer and DJ Liza Aikin, highlighted the urgency of condemning enablers of russian propaganda.

Although the Staatsoper hosted Netrebko, the protest sent a clear message: the cultural endorsement of russian imperialism and avoidance of responsibility by public figures will not be tolerated, particularly during russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine. The event demonstrated that Berliners will continue to stand against this normalization.

“There has been much media coverage claiming that Ms. Netrebko has distanced herself from the war that Putin is waging. She has not at all—this is disinformation. She simply said ‘sorry,’ but for what exactly? The Staatsoper announced on her behalf that she is currently (!) not planning to perform in russia. What kind of distancing or apology is that? She was an active part of Putin’s propaganda machine and has never renounced it publicly. Until she does, she should not be given a stage supported by our tax money. As a Berliner, I do not want our tax money to be used for her honorarium.”

– Saba Farzan, German-Iranian theater scholar and journalist.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us in standing for Ukraine and for truth. We will continue to raise our voices in solidarity.