Pro-Palestine Protest at Royal Opera House Sparks Controversy Over 'Queer Dance Artist' Daniel Perry

A recent pro-Palestine protest at London’s renowned Royal Opera House has stirred significant debate. During the final performance of Verdi’s Il Trovatore on Saturday evening, an artist unexpectedly raised a Palestinian flag as the curtain came down. According to The Telegraph, the individual behind this act was self-described “queer dance artist,” choreographer, and DJ Daniel Perry.

Video footage of the incident shows Perry, dressed in a “ghost” costume on stage, waving the flag while a stage manager attempts—unsuccessfully—to snatch it away. The Royal Opera House later stated that the action was spontaneous and unauthorized, and that it does not align with the institution’s commitment to political neutrality.

It is reported that Perry studied at Tring Park School for the Performing Arts in Hertfordshire, where boarding fees can reach up to £16,000 per term. Notable alumni from the school include Dame Julie Andrews and Star Wars actress Daisy Ridley.

Perry uses they/them pronouns, as stated by their booking agencies. They recently wore a “Free Palestine” tank top during a London performance of Cabaret. Notably, Cabaret is a musical set in the Weimar Republic, depicting the rise of Nazi oppression against Jews.

In a social media post, Perry wrote:

“In this particular rendition, we see how extreme nationalist and fascist regimes suppress individuality and divide people, leaving them voiceless, expressionless, and helplessly ruled by oppressors.”
They added:
“I believe we are currently living through a similar time.”

On Instagram, Perry also called on theatres to boycott Coca-Cola—one of the brands criticized for alleged ties to Israel. They encouraged fellow performers to join Saturday’s protest march, even if they had shows that evening.

It’s important to note that Perry was working with the Royal Opera House as a freelancer, not as a staff member. The incident is believed to have taken place during the final showing of Il Trovatore. The Royal Opera House operates with public funding and maintains a policy of political neutrality.

Recently, Perry also participated in a Plabody event at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A East). Plabody is a group founded by “European migrant and queer creatives” that centers on the lived experiences of non-normative identities. On their DJ Instagram account, Perry thanked the organizers, saying:

“Thank you to my trans siblings who brought your full selves into a large institutional space and showed the world that we are powerful, potent, beautiful beings who deserve respect, love, and celebration.”