Israel
Royal Opera House announces cancellation of Israel shows after pro-Palestine backlash
Covent Garden claimed that the decision was made before a public pressure campaign from Artists for Palestine
August 5, 2025 15:21
Covent Garden claimed that the decision was made before a public pressure campaign from Artists for Palestine
August 5, 2025 15:21The Royal Opera House has announced the cancellation of its planned production of Puccini’s Tosca in Tel Aviv after a pro-Palestine backlash.
The beloved tragedy, which follows a famous opera singer as she tries to save her lover from the clutches of an authoritarian regime in Rome, was due to be performed in Israel next year.
However, the plan saw Covent Garden bombarded by criticism by pro-Palestine activists, including an open letter from 200 of its members calling for the show to be cancelled.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the Royal Ballet and Opera (RBO) said: "In light of the deteriorating humanitarian crisis in the region and the associated risks to the safety of our company members, we have made the decision not to proceed with the Royal Opera’s new production of Tosca at The Israeli Opera.
"This decision was reached prior to the recent staff open letter."
This statement seemingly contradicts claims made by Artists for Palestine, who issued the letter, that the cancellation of the performance was a direct result of its campaign.
ROB Chief Executive Sir Alex Beard added: “I firmly believe in the power of the arts to speak truth across boundaries. It is at the heart of who we are that we recognise and respect the diversity of opinions among our colleagues and audiences.”
The Israeli Opera, meanwhile, has confirmed it has found a new partner so it can still host a production of Tosca in Tel Aviv as planned.
A spokesperson for the institution said: “The Israeli Opera will present an excellent alternate production conducted by Dan Ettinger and featuring international soloists.
“We will continue the successful dialogue we’ve had with the Royal Opera House and hope to see its productions in Israel again soon.”
The apparent U-turn by the RBO follows a high-profile protest in which a dancer unfurled a Palestinian flag during a performance of Il Trovatore last month.
The performer, Danni Perry, later claimed in a Novara Media interview that, following the stunt, they had been told that they “will never work at the Royal Opera House, ever again”, adding: “I don’t give a flying f***.”
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