Nacho Duato Calls for Cancellation of Israeli-Funded Batsheva Dance Company at Madrid's Teatros del Canal

Choreographer Nacho Duato has requested the cancellation of the Batsheva Dance Company's upcoming performance at the Teatros del Canal in Madrid, venues managed by the Community of Madrid. The company is scheduled to present Sadeh21, a 2011 work by Ohad Naharin, on October 15. Ruperto Merino, director of the publicly managed theaters, defended the programming, stating it is based on strictly artistic criteria and that companies cannot be censored based on their country of origin. The controversy follows the withdrawal of an invitation to writer Ariana Harwicz over her denial of the Palestinian genocide. Batsheva Dance Company was founded in Israel in 1966 by Martha Graham, a pivotal figure in 20th-century dance. From the 1990s, Ohad Naharin propelled the company with his distinctive "gaga" style, which blends extreme delicacy with explosive movement. The company has served as a global ambassador for Israel, which funds one-third of its production budget and covers travel costs for international tours. The upcoming Madrid performance is part of this touring activity.