TOKYO: Placido Domingo has pulled out of a kabuki-opera theatrical play being planned in Tokyo next April in the run-up to the Olympic Games.

Last month the Dallas Opera in the United States cancelled a gala in which Domingo was due to perform after a growing number of sexual harassment allegations, which he has strenuously denied.

As for Tokyo, a statement from the local Olympic organising committee said that “after mutual consultation, the Tokyo organising committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games and Maestro Plácido Domingo have decided that Maestro Domingo will not be performing” in April.

It added: “This decision was made by Maestro Domingo after thoughtful consideration . . . and it was accepted by the Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

A statement from Domingo explained: “I have made the decision not to participate in the Kabuki-Opera event due to the complexity of the project.

“I regard the kabuki-opera project a wonderful cultural initiative. The fusion of the two theatrical traditions were meant to unite the two cultures on the same stage, in perfect harmony with the Olympic spirit.

“I remain grateful to the Tokyo Organising Committee and the Kabuki Creative Team for the invitation to participate in this wonderful event. While hoping to have a new opportunity in the near future, I respectfully salute the Kabuki Artists and
wish to all those involved for a successful event.”

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