Bolshoi Acid Attack: New Production Halted

The Bolshoi Ballet has postponed its new production because of the acid attack on its artistic director.

A spokesperson for the theatre confirmed to Sky News that its planned performance of The Rite of Spring would be delayed until Sergei Filin was able to return to work.

Meanwhile, the 42-year-old is moving from the Moscow hospital where he has been treated since the attack last month. He is due to begin treatment at an un-named German clinic on Monday.

Doctors say Filin will require several plastic surgery operations and more treatment on his eye in the coming weeks.

He has already undergone a series of operations to try to save his eyesight after a masked man threw acid in his face outside his Moscow flat last month.

Last week Svetlana Lunkina, a leading Bolshoi ballerina who had been due to star in the The Rite of Spring, said she had fled to Canada and was too scared to return to Russia after also receiving threats.

The threats to Lunkina are thought to be linked to her husband's business dealings and are not connected to the attack on Filin.

The Bolshoi had been due to premier a new version of Stravinsky's ballet in March, as part of a festival of dance to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the work.

It was one of the famous Russian ballet company's most eagerly anticipated performances of the year, and had involved the award-winning British choreographer Wayne McGregor.

In a statement, the Bolshoi said: "The Bolshoi management and the stage team led by Wayne McGregor have taken a joint decision to postpone The Rite of Spring as Sergei Filin is undergoing treatment."

It said that new dates for the production would be announced once Filin was well enough to return to his position at the theatre.

The former star dancer has said he believes the attack was motivated by those "seeking to satisfy their ambitions", but that he has forgiven all those involved and is determined to return to work.

No arrests have yet been made.