Two years ago, The Nutcracker was banned in Lithuania in response to Russia’s attack on Ukraine.
When the Russia-Ukraine war began, Lithuania, in support of Ukraine, discontinued theatre productions, musical performances, and art exhibitions by Russians to demonstrate opposition against Russia. Since The Nutcracker, perhaps the most well-known classic holiday ballet, was composed by Tchaikovsky, who was Russian, it was included in this boycott of Russian culture. This was not supported by all, but disagreement eventually subsided. Recently, a new Lithuanian minister showed support for Tchaikovsky’s work, rekindling the argument over “whether culture and politics can be separated at a time of war,” as journalists Andrew Higgins and Jenny Gross put it.
The Nutcracker was the last of three ballets composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in 1892. In the story, a girl receives a nutcracker doll for Christmas that comes to life, and they adventure in a fantasy world together, eventually defeating an evil mouse king. Since its creation over a century ago, The Nutcracker has become a classic Christmas ballet that many enjoy, so its discontinuation in Lithuania has faced dispute.
Lithuanians share mixed opinions: some support the ban while others miss the holiday ballet. Those fond of The Nutcracker, such as Kristina Borkowska — who is a Lithuanian with Polish heritage — wonder, “[w]hat does Tchaikovsky have to do with the war in Ukraine?” Patriotic citizens do not support the ban because they believe culture should be separate from politics. On the other hand, supporters of the ban argue that culture can be, and has been, used for propaganda, and therefore is closely tied with political affairs. Many are of the opinion that a break from Russian art, music, and culture is appropriate, especially in times of war.
Regardless of the disagreement, Lithuanians will not be able to watch The Nutcracker this holiday season, as opera house managers remain firm in their position. Currently, an alternate ballet, Les Millions d’Arlequin, has replaced The Nutcracker. It is composed by the Italian composer Ricardo Drigo, but many still prefer The Nutcracker over Les Millions d’Arlequin. Theatergoer Egle Brediene expressed her opinion that “[e]verything about [The Nutcracker] is much better— the music, the dance, the story.” However, opera house managers such as Audrina Kundrotas have mentioned that The Nutcracker can be continued after the Russia-Ukraine war ends.
Sources:
“A Cultural Casualty of the War in Ukraine: ‘The Nutcracker’” by Andrew Higgins and Jenny Gross (December 22, 2024)
“The Nutcracker” by Encyclopedia Brittanica