A performer at Moscow's Bolshoi Theatre has died after being crushed by falling scenery during a live opera performance. Yevgeny Kulesh, 38, was appearing in Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's opera "Sadko" when he became trapped beneath the backdrop as it was being changed.
Medical staff attempted life-saving measures but were unable to save him. The performance continued briefly with the audience unaware of the incident unfolding on stage before the opera was immediately stopped and spectators were asked to leave the auditorium.
Witness describes chaotic scene
An audience member told Russian news outlet Ria.ru that she suddenly heard someone shouting for medical assistance and an ambulance, before declaring that someone had "got hit by the backdrop." She said the orchestra suddenly ceased playing and that "in less than a minute the curtain closed and the audience was asked to leave."
Video footage of the incident has surfaced online, showing cast members in distress while urging Bolshoi staff to remove the backdrop from Kulesh.
Investigation launched
Moscow's Investigative Committee stated in an official announcement that both the accident and the death of the performer, who had worked with the Bolshoi since 2002, are under investigation.
Although it has been reported that Kulesh moved in the wrong direction while the scenery was being lowered, fatal accidents have occurred at the theatre previously. In 2013, violinist Viktor Sedov, who had performed with the Bolshoi's orchestra for four decades, died after falling into the orchestra pit.
Former dancer blames technical staff
Former principal dancer at the Bolshoi, Nikolai Tsiskardze, told the Russian newspaper Komsomolkaya Pravda that he was certain Kulesh's death was not the actor's fault, but rather resulted from the technical staff's poor judgement. He said: "Backstage is hell. Dancers damage their legs when sets and staircases fall over. There are no windows or ventilation."
