Ballet star dies as theatre axes show
RENOWNED choreographer Liam Scarlett has died aged just 35, a year after leaving The Royal Ballet amid allegations of inappropriate behaviour.
News of his death came after it was revealed yesterday performances of Mr Scarlett’s production of Frankenstein had been axed by the Royal Danish Theatre over alleged misconduct towards members of staff during rehearsals in 2018 and 2019.
The theatre said in a statement released before his death: “Liam Scarlett is no longer employed by the Royal Ballet. The Royal Theatre has actively sought dialogue with its own employees who have worked with
‘We do not wish to perform the works’
Liam Scarlett. That process has now led to the theatre cancelling the upcoming performance.”
Theatre director Kasper Holten said: “Offensive behaviour is unacceptable at the Royal Theatre.
“The wellbeing and safety of our employees is a high priority for us.we therefore do not wish to perform the works of the choreographer in question until further notice and Frankenstein in the spring of 2022 has therefore been cancelled.”
Mr Scarlett’s position with The Royal Ballet ended last year when the Royal Opera House, home to the Royal Ballet Company, said an independent investigation into the choreographer had concluded. There “were
no matters to pursue in relation to alleged contact with students of The Royal Ballet School”, it said.
Mr Scarlett joined the Royal Ballet Company in 2006 and retired from dancing in 2012 to focus on choreography. His interpretation of Leoš Janácek’s The Cunning Little Vixen received its world premiere at the Royal Opera House in February 2019 and was attended by Prince Charles in honour of his 70th birthday.
The artist-in-residence was investigated over claims of sexual misconduct involving students.
These allegations sent shockwaves through the ballet world, with Australia’s Queensland Ballet among
those to cut ties with him. The Royal Opera House previously said it was “made aware of allegations” in August 2019.
“The individual was immediately suspended and an independent disciplinary investigation opened,” it said.
Following his death, a statement from his family said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the tragic, untimely death of our beloved Liam.
“At this difficult time for all of our family, we would ask you respect our privacy to enable us to grieve our loss.”
A statement from the Royal Opera House said: “We are deeply saddened to hear the news. Our thoughts are with his friends and family.”