| Sourced from 4 independent sources · no points in dispute |
Calgary Sun, Culture Alberta, The Globe and Mail, and Winnipeg Free Press
Every key fact in this report is confirmed by more than one independent source.
8 key facts · 8 corroborated · none disputed
This summary is compiled from the independent sources listed above.
A Palestinian flag unfurled during the Oct. 16 opening-night curtain call of Calgary Opera’s Tosca has led to the removal of bass singer Gabriel Sanchez-Ortega from the remainder of the production’s run.
Sanchez-Ortega displayed the flag at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium after performing the role of Cesare Angelotti. Calgary Opera said the action was unexpected and unauthorized, and that individual political protest violates company policy.
Calgary Opera replaces Sanchez-Ortega as Angelotti
The company replaced Sanchez-Ortega as Angelotti for the remaining performances, including the Oct. 18 show and the Oct. 24 closing performance.
In its public response, Calgary Opera said it had addressed the matter directly with the singer and reinforced its expectations with the cast and production team.
The company said it prohibits personal protests at performances and that the same consequences would apply to any unauthorized protest symbol or action.
“Individual political protest contravenes not only company policy, but also our responsibility to create a more connected, caring, and civil society through shared artistic experiences,” Calgary Opera said.
Sanchez-Ortega says he has no regrets
Sanchez-Ortega, a bass in his first year of Calgary Opera’s McPhee Artist Development Program, said he has no regrets about the gesture.
In a statement, he said he had been informed that financial threats had been made against Calgary Opera, adding that he held “no resentment.”
“After the theatre, (political or otherwise) we all have to go home and look at ourselves in the mirror,” he wrote. “It was my honour to play Angelotti, an escaped political prisoner.”
Sanchez-Ortega referred to Angelotti as an escaped political prisoner. Calgary Opera said individual political protest contravenes company policy.
Discomfort and distress acknowledged
Calgary Opera said the display may have affected audience members, cast members, crew, orchestral musicians and Jubilee staff in different ways. It apologized for any “discomfort and distress” the incident caused.
The company said its commitment is to provide a welcoming and respectful environment for artists, audiences and the community.
Sanchez-Ortega said he does not regret his action. Calgary Opera said it prohibits personal protest on its stages and at its events.
Another artist will perform Cesare Angelotti
Tosca will continue without Sanchez-Ortega in the role of Cesare Angelotti. Calgary Opera has said another artist will perform the part for the balance of the run.
Calgary Opera said the display of any protest symbol or action would result in similar consequences.
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