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Bolshoi’s Sergei Filin returns to theater after acid attack

Sergei Filin, artistic director of the Bolshoi Ballet, speaks to reporters during his first visit to Moscow's Bolshoi Theater since he was the victim of an acid attack.
Sergei Filin, artistic director of the Bolshoi Ballet, speaks to reporters during his first visit to Moscow’s Bolshoi Theater since he was the victim of an acid attack.
(Alexander Zemlianichenko / Associated Press)
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Sergei Filin, the artistic director of the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow, has returned to the renowned theater for the first time since undergoing operations to deal with the aftermath of a horrific acid attack that severely damaged his eyesight.

Filin, 42, wore sunglasses inside the theater Tuesday, where he was surrounded by journalists. According to reports, he said he felt well but isn’t able to return to work yet.

Filin has traveled to Germany to receive treatment for his eyes, and his vision has reportedly recovered somewhat but is still significantly impaired.

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Filin also suffered severe burns to his face in the January attack. He reportedly has had more than 20 operations since the assault outside his Moscow home.

Bolshoi dancer Pavel Dmitrichenko has been arrested in connection with the attack. He has confessed to organizing the assault but has said he didn’t want it to go as far as it did. He is believed to have held a grudge against Filin over professional differences.

Tuesday’s event at the Bolshoi was intended to mark the opening of the new season, which is to include productions of “La Dame aux Camélias” and the opera “The Flying Dutchman” by Richard Wagner.

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