Salzburg Festival 2024: Khrushchova warns of the appreciation of Russian art

Salzburg Festival 2024: Khrushchova warns of the appreciation of Russian art

importance of Russian culture in the context of the Ukraine War

of dpa

26. July 2024, 1:53 p.m.

The cultural identity of Russia is at the center of new discussions during the Salzburg Festival 2024. In her opening speech on July 26, 2024, Nina Khrushchova, political scientist and great -granddaughter of the Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev, calls for a comprehensive appreciation of Russian art, especially in view of the current political tensions.

meaning of art for freedom

Khrushchova addresses how important art in Russia was in the course of history. She emphasizes that during communism she helped people to escape the repressive political system mentally. "Culture was our freedom," emphasizes it, appealing to the audience, to consider the cultural expression as a sign of human resilience.

political responsibility and cultural integration

In her differentiated speech, she clearly comments against the current ostracism of Russian works of art that has increased in the course of the Ukraine War. Khrushchova also criticizes the Ukrainian cultural policy, which in their opinion increases the anti-Russian currents. At the same time, she explains that the Kremlin wages a "war" against Russian cultural workers who face the aggressive policy of President Vladimir Putin.

Salzburg Festival as a platform for Russian culture

The Salzburg Festival play a special role this year by emphasizing the presence and importance of this culture with a focus on Russian works. The program includes Weinberg's “The Idiot” and Prokofjews “The Player”, both operas based on novels by Fjodor Dostojewski, one of the most important Russian authors. In a reading, the prison letters of the opposition activist Alexei Nawalny are also presented by actor Michael Maertens, which offers a deep insight into the current challenges for critics in the Russian regime.

A call to solidarity with art

Khrushchova appeals to the audience to recognize the relevance and the influence of art in difficult times. The dramatic reports on oppression and the pursuit of a meaning of life that great authors have addressed in their works in the past such as Dostojewski and Solschenizyn are not only historical reports, but also lessons about the ability of art to act as a means of survival.

The speech by Khrushchova not only shows the current political situation, but also illustrates the value of art as a common symbol of hope and freedom. At a time when cultural forms of expression are intensively questioned and often rejected, it raises an important voice for the existence of existence and the continued existence of Russian culture worldwide.

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- Nag