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
  • Comments

Already a subscriber? Log in

This article is for subscribers only

Get a free bottle of Johnnie Walker Black Label when you subscribe to The Spectator for just £12 in our Black Friday sale

  • Free bottle of Johnnie Walker Black Label whisky, worth £30
  • Unlimited access to our website and app
  • Enjoy Spectator newsletters and podcasts
  • Explore our online archive, going back to 1828

Read next

Trending

Lloyd Evans

Angela Rayner has lost her edge

It was deputies’ day at PMQs. Sir Keir Starmer is busy flying around the world yet again. This time he’s trying to charm the unlucky leaders of the G20. Angela Rayner took his place at PMQs opposite Alex Burghart for the Tories. His opener was terse and effective.  ‘What is the government doing to bring

More on ballet

Also by Lesley Downer

Latest

Comments

Black Friday sale: Get 10 weeks for just $1

Unlimited access to the The Spectator, online and via the app

Already a subscriber? Log in