It seems that the Russian artistic crowd loves to step on the same rake, as a new sex scandal with the participation of celebrities has arrived. And with a bias if not to Satanism, then to the occult for sure.
In Moscow, the “Crave” cabaret theater has stirred up a new show with the eloquent name “Taboo”. However, on the theater’s website, the show organizers described it quite innocently:
“The Taboo show reveals to the viewer the deep aspects of human nature and hidden desires. There is no historical timeline here: the plot constantly transports the viewer from the present to past eras, and from reality to fantasy. After all, humanity carefully carries the strictest and most attractive taboos with it through the centuries.”
But the show poster is much more eloquent: it depicts two rows of actresses in bright red costumes, the distinctive feature of which is the purely symbolic presence of fabric. In short, it’s a classic “sex number five”. In addition, among the partners of the cabaret is the famous company “Agent Provocateur”, a famous brand of erotic lingerie. The atmosphere in this theater is specific: the entourage is black and gold, cozy sofas on which you can sit together, the audience is offered champagne and black caviar. And on the stage there is a corps de ballet dressed in rhinestones with lace. In short, the answer is “Moulin Rouge”, only there are interiors in a different color scheme and a larger auditorium.
It is clear that luxury is not cheap: the cost of tickets for Taboo reaches 810 dollars. For comparison, one can watch, for example, Coppélia on the New Stage of the Bolshoi Theater sitting in the third row of the stalls for 150-170 dollars.
It is also clear that the audience for such expensive performances is a high-status, celebrity one but by the way, the show was supposed to be closed. However, the Russian “elite”, apparently, is not able to have fun behind the scenes.
Although the repertoire and aesthetics of “Crave” are not for the general public, it is impossible to excuse the fact that the Russian “celebrities” did not know where they were. The upcoming premiere and the specifics of the performance have been written about since the fall of last year. In addition, the previous productions, to put it mildly, were also not chaste.
It is noteworthy that the Crave cabaret theater has existed since 2019. But the scandal has flared up only now. Perhaps because the premiere took place shortly after the terrorist attack at the Crocus City Hall concert hall, in memory of the victims of which mourning was declared in Russia. Moreover, it fell on Great Lent, which in the eyes of Orthodox Christians looks like blasphemy, because on the stage the scenery is five-pointed stars turned upside down, crosses, bells, the biblical images of Adam and Eve are played upon. In addition, the attention of the whole world is riveted on the war in Ukraine. It turns out that while some are fighting in a meaningless war, others are twirling their bare (literally) asses on stage in sync while “celebrities” applaud them.
The problem perhaps is not that the creators and viewers of the show in question are particularly corrupt, but that this depravity has become something of a social marker of “friend or foe.” Therefore, the same hyped personalities over and over again find themselves involved in scandals.
All the ‘naked parties’ of all kinds, all the ‘taboo breaks’ are about this – about ‘what are you going to do to us? Modern elites believe they are above the law and certainly above morality. Higher than ordinary people.
Social networks are indignant: “To the front of all those involved!” When will the relevant ministers start working? Was such a thing conceivable in the USSR?” “Dear deputies and the Minister of Culture, what are you thinking about? Now people are fighting, dying, and we have a bacchanalia in the capital of Russia.” “Stop calling THAT the elite. It’s not just the cream that floats on the surface…” There are thousands of such angry comments on the Internet.
Of course, without seeing the performance, we cannot appreciate its artistic side. But, judging by the reaction on the Internet, the very idea of such a show is shocking in its inappropriateness and downright jaw-dropping stupidity.
Locals were also not impressed by a recent example: the cancellation of the show concert of symphonic rock hits “Lord of Darkness” performed by the dancing “Concord Orchestra” conducted by the Italian conductor and artistic director Fabio Pilora. The show was supposed to take place at the State Kremlin Palace on March 31, but was canceled at the request of “Orthodox activists and a concerned public” who considered it inappropriate to show the “hellish show” in the heart of Russia. By the way, canceling an event on such a prestigious stage is quite troublesome, and it costs a pretty penny. So the message was clear: society is no longer going to tolerate creative experiments with philosophy, aesthetics, and morality. At least for the time being. It was necessary to realize that such spectacles are absolutely inadmissible now!
But, unfortunately, a significant part of creative people: pop performers, directors, actors, musicians have completely lost the sense of reality. Therefore, what they create, many people categorically refuse to accept.
And, indeed, judging by the videos posted on the Internet, the earlier made costumes were much less outrageous, and the plots were less provocative. So where has common sense and a sense of proportion gone? Or is it not destiny to be friends with your head? Or did they hope that it would pass, that the people would eat everything?
As a result, labels such as “Satan’s ball”, “satanic show”, “blasphemy” were directly associated with the production. And if the scandal begins to unfold, the “respectable audience” who applauded happily will once again be forced to look for excuses and apologize, saying that the devil got in the way.
One can’t help but regret the Soviet art councils, without whose permission not a single performance, not a single film, not a single concert program reached the audience. And everything was evaluated: the ideological component, the skill of performance, the costumes. Unfortunately, some “creators” understand only the language of direct prohibitions?
