Dear Organizers, Palace of Fine Arts Management, and City Authorities,

We are members of the Russian-speaking community in the Bay Area who are deeply concerned about the planned staging of the play “Love and Doves” (“Любовь и Голуби”) at the Palace of Fine Arts featuring Russian artists who have publicly expressed support for the Russian government and its military actions in Ukraine.

Public statements by participants associated with this production include:

— actor Vasily Mishchenko publicly praising President Putin, supporting Russian military actions in Donbas, and describing support for Russian troops as a civic duty;

— television personality Lera Kudryavtseva publicly declaring that she would “support our guys” and defend Russia’s actions in Ukraine;

— actress Elena Borzova publicly supporting aid efforts for Russian troops involved in the war and criticizing artists who left Russia after the invasion.

These are not private political opinions, but public statements supporting a regime and military campaign responsible for immense human suffering, destruction, and the deaths of civilians.

San Francisco has long stood for democratic values, human rights, and solidarity with victims of war and aggression. Hosting performers who openly support the Russian aggression sends a deeply troubling message to the Ukrainian, Eastern European, and broader international communities in our city.

We respectfully ask you to reconsider hosting this performance at the Palace of Fine Arts as well at other venues in our city.