After Hindu protests, Polish National Ballet promises changes to avoid stereotypes in “La Bayadère”

Key takeaways

• Polish National Ballet says it will take steps to avoid stereotyping in “La Bayadère,” after Hindu leaders protested.
• The protest initially called for the Polish National Opera to withdraw the ballet as culturally insensitive.
• The company says this is expected to be the last scheduled run at Teatr Wielki, while the venue still lists performances through June 30, 2026.

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Polish National Ballet director Krzysztof Pastor has told Hindu community representatives that the company will take added steps to prevent stereotypical portrayals in its upcoming staging of “La Bayadère” at Teatr Wielki, the Polish National Opera.

The communication followed objections raised this month by Hindu leaders, who argued that the classic 19th-century ballet relies on “exotic” imagery and can misrepresent Hindu traditions when staged without changes or context.

In a statement shared by the Universal Society of Hinduism, the group said Pastor indicated the production team is committed to respecting cultural diversity and avoiding caricature. The same statement said the company does not expect to bring the ballet back after the currently scheduled series ends.

Teatr Wielki’s public listings still show “La Bayadère” performances scheduled from March 27 through June 30, 2026, and the official calendar does not mention any controversy or announced revisions.

“La Bayadère,” first premiered in 1877 in St. Petersburg, has faced recurring criticism internationally over its orientalist framing and depictions of South Asian culture. In recent years, some ballet institutions have responded by revising choreography, costuming, and story framing, or by adding updated context to reduce harmful stereotyping.