Opera performers are using Palestinian flags to make a stand. And why shouldn't they?

Classical music has an unusual problem: flags. Such seemingly innocuous items have the power to incite passionate responses and ignite public debate. The cast member who unfurled a Palestinian flag at the curtain call for the recent run of Il trovatore at the Royal Opera House knew this – it was the reason they stood, unmoved by urgent hissing from the wings, holding the green, red, black and white symbol.

As a member of staff unsuccessfully attempted to remove the flag, audience members scrambled to record the subsequent tussle. Footage did the rounds on social media; officials quickly declared the action was unofficial. 

At the same time, increasingly shocking images of starving children have emerged, and UN agencies warn that much of Gaza is now affected by famine. There are disturbing photographs of protruding ribcages and reports of preventable deaths. 

Get the latest news and insight into how the Big Issue magazine is made by signing up for the Inside Big Issue newsletter

Danni Perry, the performer responsible for taking the Palestinian flag to the opera house, posted a video via Novara Media that explained: “The people who have the opportunity to go and see opera are the ones with power and influence to help… As artists we are lucky enough to have platforms that reach huge audiences, therefore I feel we have a responsibility to use them.”

The Royal Opera has reportedly banned Perry from working at the London venue. A spokesperson told the BBC: “The display of the flag was a spontaneous and unauthorised action by the artist. It was not approved by the Royal Ballet and Opera and is not in line with our commitment to political impartiality.” 

Incidentally, this commitment was conveniently forgotten in 2022, when the building was lit in yellow and blue, the colours of the Ukrainian flag. 

In the video, Perry says, “I chose to do my demonstration during my curtain call. I chose to make it about something bigger than me.” The trouble is that a curtain call for a stage performance is already about something bigger than the individual; it’s an opportunity for teamwork that’s often been years in the making to be recognised. 

Read more:

• The invaluable lessons Britain must learn from the Hong Kong’s 2019 pro-democracy protests
• Why criminalising protest won’t stop people from rising up for causes that matter
• From anti-war to Palestine Action: The way we protest is changing – so how did we get here?

Opera is one of the few artforms when multiple disciplines – visuals, music, dance, lighting and more – must bow to collective humility. In that sense, the positioning felt as misplaced as when Just Stop Oil protesters used glitter cannons and air horns during a performance of Poulenc’s Dialogues des Carmélites at Glyndebourne in 2023. But when opportunities to protest are under threat – and in the light of an avoidable humanitarian crisis – such lines in the sand are difficult to justify. 

It’s likely that the Palestinian flag will make further appearances on stages throughout the summer. A few days after Perry’s protest, a group disrupted a speech by the Austrian Minister of Culture during the opening of the Salzburg Festival. 

The BBC Proms will no doubt be anticipating similar action at this year’s Last Night (13 September), when the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, will, as usual, play Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance March No 1” and “Jerusalem”. 

In recent years the Last Night of the Proms flag-waving – traditionally a Union Jack – has been an opportunity for audiences to nail their various colours. In 2019 mezzo-soprano Jamie Barton revealed the Pride flag on stage and wore purple and pink – matching the bisexual flag of the same colours. 

Since 2016, Remainers have taken to waving EU flags, culminating in a mass demonstration in 2023. A crowdfunder by Thank EU for the Music has currently raised more than £3,000 towards the cost of EU flags for the upcoming Last Night, suggesting that this year’s concert will feature stars both on and off stage.

Do you have a story to tell or opinions to share about this? Get in touch and tell us more. 

It’s helping people with disabilities. 

It’s creating safer living conditions for renters.

It’s getting answers for the most vulnerable.

Big Issue brings you trustworthy journalism that drives real change. 

If this article gave you something to think about, help us keep doing this work from £5 a month.