In the hours following the Royal Theatre’s (KGL) decision last Friday to cancel a ballet in the spring of 2022, the 35-year-old internationally acclaimed choreographer, Liam Scarlett, lost his life.
The ballet star’s family confirmed the news on Saturday, leaving KGL boss Kasper Holten to make a completely different kind of announcement than the one he sent out on Friday.
“We are deeply moved by the news of Liam Scarlett’s death. Our thoughts go to his bereaved. Our focus is now on our employees and on helping and supporting them in the coming time, ”he told TV2 this weekend.
A ‘no’ to ‘Frankenstein’
On Friday, the tone had been different when Holten explained that Scarlett’s forthcoming ballet ‘Frankenstein’ would not be performed in May 2022 due to reports of the choreographer’s “unacceptable behavior” visiting Copenhagen for rehearsals in 2018 and 19.
“We therefore do not want to perform the works of the choreographer in question at the moment, and ‘Frankenstein’ in the spring of 2022 has therefore been canceled,” Holten explained.
The following day, Scarlett’s family confirmed “Liam’s tragic and premature death.”
Allegations in London and Australia
In 2020, allegations of Scarlett allegedly sexually abusing behavior were investigated at the Royal Ballet in London.
While the investigation found no “cases to follow regarding students at the Royal Ballet School”, his contract was canceled.
Last year, Scarlett was investigated for violent behavior while working for the Queensland Ballet, but again no evidence was found.
Zero tolerance for abuse
Holten’s statement on Friday made it clear that violent behavior will not be tolerated.
Offensive behavior is unacceptable at the Royal Theater, also from guest artists. The well-being and safety of our employees is a high priority for us, ”he said.
“We therefore do not want to perform the works of the choreographer in question at the moment, and ‘Frankenstein’ in the spring of 2022 has therefore been canceled. A replacement repertoire will be announced at the launch of the season on May 3rd. ”
Source: The Nordic Page
