ESC 2023: Moldova brings small people on stage as a joke

Didn’t Moldova go a bit wrong with its show? For the piece “Soarele și luna” by singer Pasha Parfeni, the stage show relied on ethno-aesthetics – and besides dancers and drummers, a short flute player was also brought on stage.

Of course, one can discuss whether one emphasizes a short stature as a joke figure or presents it as a regular part of the show. Many Twitter users find the show with the dancing flutist obscure. “Why do they always add a dwarf when they want to make it dreamy and spooky? Such a cliché. But I still enjoy Moldova. And even people of short stature have to eat,” writes a user of the short message service.

“What was that about the little guy near Moldau,” writes another user — and proves with several laughing emojis that the dancer’s portrayal was probably perceived as a joke — which makes it quite problematic.

“I would have loved to have attended the original pitch session for Moldova. ‘I want two strong men playing drums, two women with huge horns on their heads and a dwarf playing the flute. That’s not too much to ask.'” joked another person.

German users also found the post apparently obscure.