An opera performer has died after being crushed by falling stage scenery during a live performance at Russia’s Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow.
The performer, identified as 38-year-old Yevgeny Kulesh, was taking part in a production of Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s Sadko when the accident occurred during a scene change.
Reports said Kulesh became trapped beneath a large backdrop as it was being lowered onto the stage. Despite efforts by medical personnel, he could not be saved.
The orchestra reportedly stopped playing shortly after the incident, while the curtain was brought down and the audience was instructed to leave the auditorium.
A witness told Russian media that spectators suddenly heard calls for a doctor and an ambulance after someone was struck by the backdrop.
Footage reportedly captured performers and theatre staff attempting to remove the scenery from Kulesh as the emergency unfolded on stage.
Kulesh had been a member of the Bolshoi Theatre since 2002. Russia’s Investigative Committee has opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident and his death.
The incident has also renewed attention on previous accidents at the theatre. In 2013, Bolshoi orchestra violinist Viktor Sedov died after falling into the orchestra pit.
