Serghei Polunin, the Russian dancer with Putin tattoo drawn on chest, Milan theater cancels the show

 Serghei Polunin with Vladimir Putin tattoo on his chest dancing (archive)

 The Arcimboldi Theater in Milan has canceled two performances of the dancer Serghei Polunin. The Kherson-born but pro-Russian dance rock star was at the center of controversy because of a tattoo of Putin's portrait on his chest, which led to the cancellation of the show.

The decision was made in agreement with the company. There is no climate to represent an art show and draw the right sensations from it. Maybe the climate has changed forever," Arcimboldi director Gianmario Longoni explained, local media reported.

The decision to cancel Polunin's show which was scheduled to be at Teatro Arcimboldi in Milan in December 2019 and then postponed five times due to Covid and an injury to the dancer, was not "of the cultural sphere, but of social responsibility", explained the leaders.

"In a climate of tension and threats, we find it difficult to maintain our artistic choices, whose values of pacifism and tolerance are inherent in the programming of the theater itself, which has already taken sides against the atrocities of war by organizing the Gala "Dance for Peace in April 2022". Spectators who have purchased tickets for the show will be able to request a refund by following the instructions on the theater's website.