On Thursday evening, Madrid witnessed a substantial pro-Palestinian protest outside the Teatros del Canal theater, where the Batsheva Dance Company from Israel was stage-bound. Approximately 200 demonstrators gathered, expressing their opposition to the performance through various means, including waving Palestinian flags and wielding a significant banner proclaiming, “Israel dances while it kills in Gaza.” The protesters loudly implored attendees to boycott the show, some vocally labeling audience members as “Murderers” and “Shame on you” as they arrived.
Protesters Demand Boycott of Batsheva Dance Company
The protests were organized by groups advocating for the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, alongside several pro-Palestinian solidarity organizations. They aimed to spotlight the Israeli government’s financial support for Batsheva, claiming that it effectively serves as a representation tool for Israel on a global stage. Despite the fervor of the protests, the performance proceeded as scheduled and reportedly ended in a standing ovation. This was noted by the Israeli Embassy in Spain, emphasizing the positive reception from the audience.
Batsheva’s performance in Madrid was part of a three-show series featuring Sadeh21, an acclaimed work by choreographer Ohad Naharin. The initial performance took place on the opening night, with two additional shows planned for the following Friday and Saturday, all of which had reportedly sold out, illustrating significant local interest in the arts despite the protests outside.
Notable Figures Join the Protest
Among those leading the demonstrations was famed Spanish choreographer Nacho Duato, who had previously called for the cancellation of Batsheva’s performances. Duato drew comparisons between the current opposition to the Israeli company and the boycotts faced by Russian cultural entities following the invasion of Ukraine. He critiqued the reception of an Israeli company receiving public funding while other countries face backlash for their actions.
Not only Duato but also esteemed Spanish actress Goizalde Núñez participated in the protests. Additionally, filmmaker Javier Fesser expressed his discontent regarding financial backing for Batsheva’s engagements. The backlash heightened when a video surfaced of Duato referring to Hamas as a “liberation movement,” which incited a sharp rebuttal from the Israeli Embassy, condemning his support for perceived terrorism and his leadership in the boycott against Batsheva.
Artistic Not Politicized: The Theater’s Stand
Ruperto Merino, the director of Teatros del Canal, firmly rejected the demonstrators’ calls to cancel the performances, stressing that the selection of artistic programming is rooted in professional, not political, motives. He emphasized that artistic expression should not be censored based on the nationality of its creators. This statement was aligned with Batsheva Dance Company’s assertion that it is not a political entity, with diverse viewpoints among its members. The company has been vocal about its desire for peace in the region and has endured protests at different venues, representing a persistent challenge faced by artists on the global stage.
As cultural discourse continues to evolve, the protest in Madrid reiterates the broader implications artists face in politically charged atmospheres. The response of local communities and artistic patrons remains integral in upholding spaces for artistic expression, irrespective of the political context surrounding the performers.