Filin leaves the hospital on Feb. 4. He has introduced contemporary productions to the Bolshoi repertoire
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In interviews given to the Russian press since the attack, Iksanov has said Tsiskaridze bears ultimate responsibility for bringing the Bolshoi to such depths even if he did not carry out the assault on Filin--an accusation he repeated to Time. "I do not think he committed this crime, but there is no doubt in my mind what is behind this," Iksanov says. "He created an atmosphere inside the theater where such a hideous crime is possible." Tsiskaridze, who has been questioned by police along with other members of the troupe, has vehemently denied any involvement in the crime, while also dismissing the notion that any of his supporters could have done it. "If anyone has poisoned the atmosphere here, it is that bureaucrat," he says.
What has seemed most confusing about the power struggle is why Iksanov has not simply fired Tsiskaridze. One reason may be that in today's Russia, Tsiskaridze enjoys layers of protection. For one thing, he is a national celebrity. Hardly a week goes by without his appearing on a popular TV show, like the Russian version of Dancing with the Stars, where he served as a catty judge--Russia's answer to Simon Cowell. Dismissing him would cause a major public scandal.
Tsiskaridze is also a kind of diva in Muscovite high society. When his chauffeur dropped him off at the restaurant where we met, he wore a black mink coat and diamond pinky ring, far out of reach for someone on a Bolshoi dancer's salary but perhaps indicative of the company he keeps. He is friends with many of the richest and most influential women in Russia. "These women have their own salons," says Iksanov. "They like having a star like Tsiskaridze in their circle, and they lobby for him." Tsiskaridze denies that his connections have any bearing on his status at the theater.
Final Act?
Regardless of who his friends are, Tsiskaridze, at 39, is getting old for a ballet dancer. If he does not move up to a senior post at the theater soon, he will have nothing to do at the Bolshoi but teach his dwindling pool of students there. One of the last parts Iksanov and Filin have allowed him to dance is the Evil Sorcerer in Swan Lake; he revels in the role. During a production of the ballet on a Sunday in February, Tsiskaridze comported himself backstage as if he were king of the Bolshoi. When he was not onstage, his voice could be heard among the drapes booming commands to the ballerinas who flitted around awaiting their turn to perform on the stage that has been the launchpad to stardom for generations of Russian ballet legends. At curtain call, he received more flowers from his fans than all the other dancers combined.