Russian school apologizes after male teacher’s performance as cartoon wolf wearing ‘snow maiden’ costume at holiday event sparks backlash
Administrators at a school in Russia’s Primorsky region have apologized for an event in which a male physical education teacher dressed up as Snegurochka, the “snow maiden” character who traditionally accompanies Russia’s version of Santa Claus, after the costume sparked a wave of complaints from local residents.
The controversial performance reportedly took place at the school’s New Year’s masquerade party, which it said it holds for younger students every year before they go on their winter vacation. After the event, according to news reports, parents began accusing the school of promoting “Western values” and writing angry comments to Primorsky Governor Oleg Kozhemyako on Telegram.
In response to the outcry, school administrators issued a statement apologizing for the event and explaining that holiday costume parties are a longtime tradition at the school.
Teachers dressed in costumes acted out stories from Soviet cartoons. The cartoon “Nu, pogodi,” which we all love, was no exception. Our physical education teacher played the role of the Wolf dressed as Snegurochka and wished the kids happy holidays. [...] There was no hidden meaning or malicious intent in the performance. Our only goal was to delight and amuse the children and to brighten up our school routine.
The local news site Vladivostok Online reported that many area residents spoke out in support of the school, noting that female teachers have played male characters at holiday parties for decades.
Sign up for Meduza’s daily newsletter
A digest of Russia’s investigative reports and news analysis. If it matters, we summarize it.