Belarus Ballet Feud Erupts Over Stolen Chagall Production Concept

A visionary ballet about Marc Chagall turns into a bitter feud. One artist’s dream was adopted—without him. Now, Belarus’s Bolshoi Theatre faces accusations of betrayal.

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2026 January 11 . 10:08 PM

1 min read

The image shows a poster for the Ballets Russes de Serge de Diaghilew, featuring a painting of... — The image shows a poster for the Ballets Russes de Serge de Diaghilew, featuring a painting of several people in the center. The poster has text written on it, likely providing information about the ballet.

Belarus Ballet Feud Erupts Over Stolen Chagall Production Concept

A dispute has erupted over a planned ballet about artist Marc Chagall at the Belarusian National Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theatre. Choreographer Yury Gabyshau claims the theatre moved forward with his original concept but excluded him from the project. The production, now titled Chagall: Palette Over the City, is set for 2026 under chief choreographer Igor Kolb.

A year and a half ago, Gabyshau first pitched his Chagall ballet idea to the theatre’s leadership. He travelled to Minsk, met with director Katsiaryna Dulava and Igor Kolb, and presented a full libretto along with visual sketches. His vision combined Belarusian folklore, Jewish melodies, and a grand pas inspired by Chagall’s ceiling at the Opéra Garnier.

The theatre initially showed interest but requested more details, including costume designs and a full budget. They responded positively but cited scheduling conflicts, asking for further discussions. Days later, however, the theatre announced its own 2026 Chagall production—now choreographed by Kolb, with Radu Poklitaru handling additional choreography. Gabyshau felt sidelined, stating he was never informed about the decision to proceed without him. Meanwhile, Kolb, a Honored Artist of Russia who returned to Minsk in 2022, has faced criticism for past productions like Boleró. Carmen and The Nutcracker. The new ballet will be a two-act work exploring Chagall’s life, love, and artistic struggles.

The theatre’s 2026 production will move ahead under Kolb’s direction, despite Gabyshau’s claims of betrayal. The ballet’s choreography will blend Poklitaru’s input with Kolb’s leadership, while Gabyshau’s original concept remains uncredited. No further statements have been issued by the theatre regarding the dispute.