Performance organizers apologize to residents of Dagestan

The organizers of the play "Hunting for Men" in Dagestan have promised to check all the performances for compliance with local notions of morality after Khabib Nurmagomedov criticized the event. The Dagestani Council of Elders has expressed concern about the aggressive reaction to the performance and called for tolerance.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that the defenders of morality, including the MMA (mixed martial arts) fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov, criticized the play "Hunting for Men", staged in Makhachkala. Ivan Zhidkov, the producer of the play and an actor, has apologized to residents of the republic, noting that the theatrical company is receiving threats in social networks.

The "Arakul" Musical Agency, which organized the play, has also apologized to locals. "We could not have imagined that there are scenes in the play that could somehow outrage and anger the population of the republic," says a document posted in "Ask Rasul" Telegram channel.

This will not happen again, the agency has assured.

The Council of Elders under the head of Dagestan has expressed concern that cultural events provoke an aggressive reaction among local residents.

The elders have urged Dagestanis to cherish "the age-old values of friendship and fraternity." "Yes, we may have different viewpoints and opinions on some issues, including ethical and aesthetical ones. But they should not kindle mutual hostility, and even hatred, and intensify social tensions," the Council of Elders has stated.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on February 27, 2019 at 10:04 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.