A BDS victory at the Royal Opera House
JVL Introduction
The bold action by member of the cast unfurling a Palestinian flag while taking their bow at the Royal Opera House has inspired 182 members of the company, including dancers, singers, musicians, and staff across artistic, creative, technical and administrative departments to push for action. The Royal Opera has now cancelled its planned performances at the Israeli National Opera in Tel Aviv for 2026.
This article makes clear what a significant move this is and also provides the full text of the letter highlighting the horrors that all have witness in Gaza and also noting:
“We… witnessed, in recent days, an act of courage and moral clarity on our very stage. A performer used their moment in the spotlight – a moment traditionally reserved for personal recognition – to raise the Palestinian flag. In doing so, they reminded us that art cannot and does not exist in a vacuum. (our emph Ed) …”
This article was originally published by Artists for Palestine on Mon 4 Aug 2025. Read the original here.
Victory for staff as Royal Ballet and Opera pulls Israel production
- 182 members of The Royal Ballet and Opera said they “reject future performances in Israel”. They stand in solidarity with performer who protested with Palestinian flag.
- CEO announces decision to cancel 2026 production in Israel.
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What a wonderful statement of solidarity with Palestine! The people recognise the criminality of the British government and I hope this encourages much more such anti-establishment activity. A complete BDS is needed, with no more pussy-footing around. It’s time our justice system got overwhelmed by protest against the horrors of Zionism.
Fortissimo! Bravo!
What wonderful news! It would have been even more amazing if we could read the names, but understandable that we can’t.I hope this action gets reported as widely as it deserves. The statement is beautifully written and inspiring.
Well done Artists for Palestine. I think Park theatre is also cancelling future links with Israel , and the Arcola has already hosted events exposing the gatekeepers at the top of many performance spaces. Let’s hope this wave of rejection keeps on grwoing.
A brave and wonderful protest/action – so little news today makes me feel as good as this. Art/creativity is the very antithesis of War and the killing of human beings. I write this as I listen to Britten’s War Requiem.