Atmosphere of fear: in Moldova the legendary ensemble “Zhok” is under pressure for performing in St. Petersburg
The artists of the dance ensemble “Zhok”, who performed in the “Moldavian Courtyard” on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, are threatened by the management of the group with “measures taken,” writes the pro-government publication Ziarul de Garda.
The director of the marketing department of the Zhok ensemble, Maria Andriuta, made excuses to the publication’s journalists that the dancers did not announce their departure to St. Petersburg and left on their own.
“We didn’t know, we weren’t informed that they were going to St. Petersburg specifically to participate in this event. There are dancers there who are not part of the permanent composition, but there are also dancers who are part of the team. Let me tell you, it was an unpleasant and completely unexpected surprise for us. I think that certain measures will be taken, but at the moment I cannot provide details.
I’m telling you as it is: I don’t want to dodge this situation, which doesn’t do any good to the ensemble or the dancers. We were not notified, but management should have been notified first because now we would be in trouble. They took a vacation at their own expense and did not say that they intended to go to Russia for this event. This is a big disappointment for the management,” Andriuta said.
Founded in 1945, the Zhok Dance Ensemble has staged more than 80 dances and given more than 7800 performances to more than 18 million spectators. Since 1957, “Zhok” has performed in more than 60 countries around the world, receiving hundreds of awards and diplomas. The artists of the ensemble acted in films, in particular, in the film “Wedding in Malinovka”. The ensemble was awarded the Lenin Komsomol Prize, the title of the Honorary Group of the Moldavian SSR, as well as the highest state award of Moldova - the Order of the Republic.
It is noteworthy that Maria Andriuta, who humbly repented to journalists from a pro-government television channel for the "irresponsible" dancers of "Zhok," until recently hosted the Moldovan version of the program "Let's Get Married" on the now-closed TV6 channel and took part in the 2023 edition of Larisa Guzeeva's original Russian television show in the pre-New Year's Eve episode.
Her forced repentance for the participation of artists at the forum in St. Petersburg clearly demonstrates the atmosphere of total fear in Moldova.
Atmosphere of Fear : Moldovan Band Under Pressure for Performing in St. Petersburg