Yevgeny Kulesh , 38, was caught under the massive scenery in a scene change during an opera performance at the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow, while the actors and the orchestra, unaware of what happened, continued the show .
According to witnesses and a video that circulated on social networks, on stage a man screamed after realizing what had happened. The music stopped while the actors sought help.
The accident occurred during the performance of Sadko, a 19th-century Russian opera by composer Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov.
So far, according to the New York Post, the reason why Kulesh was trapped is unknown , but it is believed that he moved in the wrong direction during the change of scenery .
Nikolai Tsiskardze, a former Bolshoi dancer, told the Komsomolkaya Pravda newspaper that the actor was not at fault and pointed out the working conditions at the prestigious theater.
“ It’s hell behind the scenes . The dancers hurt their legs when the sets and stairs fell . We should not blame Yevgeny or find a scapegoat, “commented the actor.
” There is no order , there are no medicines , there is no ethics … “, he added.
A member of the public told the Russian newspaper that it was his first time attending the theater and that he initially thought the incident was part of the show, until the lights were turned on.
After the accident, the shocked crowd rose from their seats as the curtain suddenly closed.