A Palestinian flag was unfolded on stage at the Royal Opera House in London by a cast member on Saturday night during a curtain call.
The incident is said to have taken place during the encore of Il Trovatore, with attempts made to remove the flag allegedly being resisted.
“At the Royal Opera House, one of the cast unfurled a Palestinian flag at the encore. Someone from the opera house/company then came on stage from the wings to try to remove the flag from the cast member who wrestled it back and refused to give it up during Il Trovatore,” a member of the audience told the Telegraph.
Another operagoer posted on X on Saturday: “Extraordinary scenes at the Royal Opera House tonight.
“During the curtain call for Il Trovatore one of the background artists came on stage waving a Palestine flag. Just stood there, no bowing or shouting. Someone off stage kept trying to take it off him. Incredible.”
Another post on X from Stephen Ratcliffe, who was also watching the production, added: “Controversy at end of Trovatore @rbo_org tonight when an extra/chorus member unfurled a Palestinian flag. Off stage manager tried to grapple with him but he held his ground. Bet he won’t be working there again.”
A spokesperson for the Royal Ballet and Opera said: “The display of the flag was an unauthorised action by the artist. It was not approved by the Royal Ballet and Opera and is a wholly inappropriate act.”