Adelaide Festival performer Aleh Sidorchyk in court for ‘indecent act’ on Malaysian Airlines flight

An Adelaide Festival performer allegedly committed an “indecent act” on another person while aboard a flight to Australia, a court has heard.

An Adelaide Festival performer has appeared in court charged over an “indecent act” on an international flight ahead of his theatre shows, a court has heard.

Aleh Sidorchyk, 61, appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court via video link form the City Watchhouse on Monday, charged with committing an act of indecency.

It is alleged he was aboard a Malaysian Airlines flight from Kuala Lumpur to Adelaide on Sunday when the alleged incident against someone else aboard occurred.

The court heard Mr Sidorchyk was a Belarusian performer travelling to Australia until March 7 to perform at the Adelaide Festival with a 20-person troupe.

He is a member of the Dogs of Europe act, which has performances scheduled at the Dunstan Playhouse on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Monday.

The court heard Mr Sidorchyk required a Russian interpreter but one was not available for the hearing.

Aleh Sidorchyk performs in the Belarus Free Theatre production of King Lear. Picture: Belarus Free Theatre

Alice Bitmead, prosecuting, did not oppose Mr Sidorchyk’s release on bail, but asked his passport be surrendered ahead of his release from custody.

Magistrate Ben Sale granted Mr Sidorchyk release on bail, allowing him to attend his evening performances. He ordered Mr Sidorchyk report to Hindley St Police Station on Friday, not leave the state and stay at his booked North Tce accommodation.

Adelaide Festival chief executive Kath Mainland said she was aware that a performer from the Dogs of Europe show had been charged over the alleged incident.

“As the matter is before the courts, we are unable to comment any further,” Ms Mainland said.

The court heard the matter was expected to resolve when Mr Sidorchyk returns to court on Monday ahead of his planned flight out of the country on Tuesday, March 7.