Lesley Downer

How claims of cultural appropriation scuppered an acclaimed new ballet

The people accusing Geisha of appropriation were westerners of Chinese descent. The Japanese Embassy, meanwhile, offered their official imprimatur

Sarah Chun as Aiko and Minju Kang as Okichi in Northern Ballet’s Geisha. Credit: Emma Kauldhar

Already a subscriber? Log in

Keep reading for free

Subscribe today to get 3 months’ free digital access.

  • Unlimited access to our website and app
  • Enjoy Spectator newsletters and podcasts
  • Explore our online archive, going back to 1828
  • Plus, three months’ free digital access to the Telegraph

Comments

Join the debate for free — this month only

This month, be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for free. We’ll also give you three months’ free digital access to the Telegraph.

Already a subscriber? Log in