While the final act must still play out in a Russian courtroom, the story opens in the nearly two-century-old Bolshoi Theatre.

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Bolshoi theatre staff - including dancers as well as choir, orchestra and stage members - said Mr Dmitrichenko's confession had seemed forced.

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In the Mariinsky's place Ms Hochhauser invited the rival Bolshoi for a sold-out and critically triumphant season of popular opera and ballet.

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