Russia's Bolshoi Theatre has cancelled a much-anticipated ballet about dancer Rudolf Nureyev just three days before the opening night, but denies it was because of its gay themes.
However the development has many in Moscow's art scene speaking about a return to censorship.
The Russian Culture Ministry on Monday confirmed reports that the decision was announced after the minister had a chat with the theatre's director but denied exerting any pressure on Russia's legendary institution.
The Bolshoi announced on Saturday that Tuesday's premiere has been cancelled.
Bolshoi director Vladimir Urin told reporters on Monday that the production has been postponed until next year, saying the ballet wasn't ready.
The ballet about Nureyev, who defected from the Soviet Union to the West in 1961, was directed by Kirill Serebrennikov, known for bold productions that poke fun at Russia's growing social conservatism.
The much-anticipated Bolshoi ballet's production of Rudolf Nureyev (pictured) has been "postponed," says the theatre's director. Source: Michael Ward/Rex Feature/Getty Images
Urin denied reports that the show was scrapped because of its frank portrayal of Nureyev's gay relationships.
In response to numerous anonymous reports that the ballet was banned by Culture Minister Vladimir Medinsky because of its portrayal of homosexuality, the ministry told the Interfax agency that Medinsky had a "long, detailed telephone conversation" with Urin about Nureyev but denied applying any pressure on the Bolshoi.
