Actors from the Les Misérables tour intend to boycott a performance at the Kennedy Center in response to Trump’s involvement, leading to controversy and heightened tensions.
Rising tensions emerge as the majority of the Les Misérables cast intends to boycott the performance at the Kennedy Center on June 11, coinciding with a scheduled appearance by former President Donald Trump.
Actors from the Les Misérables tour decline to perform for Trump at the Kennedy Center.
Of the 12 actors presently on tour with the production, it has been reported that 10 have opted not to perform during the evening of Trump’s visit.
As reported by CNN, both principal and supporting cast members were provided with the opportunity to decline participation, and a significant number chose to do so.
The cast’s choice demonstrates apprehensions regarding shifts in leadership and the impact of political factors at the Kennedy Center.
Trump reorganizes the leadership framework of the Kennedy Center
Trump has recently taken on the role of chairman at the Kennedy Center and implemented significant changes to its leadership structure.
These modifications involved substituting long-serving trustees with newly appointed individuals.
Included in this group is Richard Grenell, a former diplomat and ally of Trump, who currently holds the position of director.
The recent changes in the board have sparked concerns regarding the potential erosion of the Kennedy Center’s commitment to nonpartisan arts traditions.
Grenell offers a pointed critique of artists.
In reaction to the alleged boycott, Grenell informed CNN that he was not aware of any such intentions but provided a firm condemnation.
A performer who lacks the professionalism to entertain audiences from diverse backgrounds, irrespective of their political beliefs, will not be accepted.
Grenell criticized the actors participating in the boycott as “vapid and intolerant,” asserting that the Kennedy Center would cease to endorse what he described as “intolerance” within the arts. He further stated, “The Kennedy Center aims to be a venue where individuals from diverse political backgrounds can sit together without inquiring about each other’s voting preferences, instead focusing on enjoying a performance collectively.”
Trump utilizes the center to promote a conservative cultural agenda.
Trump has openly expressed his desire to change the cultural direction of the Kennedy Center. In February, he announced on his Truth Social account that the Center would cease hosting drag shows and other events he considers to be anti-American.
Elimination of drag performances and other forms of anti-American propaganda — exclusively the finest offerings.
He committed to a range of more ‘patriotic’ programming, indicating a distinct shift from the institution’s historically inclusive position. His remarks have elicited varied responses from the public and the wider arts community.
The Kennedy Center emphasizes its dedication to bipartisanship.
In the wake of Trump’s contentious comments, the Kennedy Center released a public statement reiterating its dedication to bipartisan collaboration. “Historically, the Kennedy Center has received robust backing from congressional members and their staff — including Republicans, Democrats, and Independents.”
Since our establishment in 1971, we have maintained a cooperative relationship with each presidential administration. Furthermore, the Kennedy Center has consistently had a bipartisan board of trustees that has advocated for the arts in a non-partisan manner.
The performance evening aligns with a significant fundraising event.
The event on June 11 will feature entertainment and serve as a prominent fundraiser organized by Trump.
As reported by ABC News, the former president intends to leverage the event to enhance the Center’s financial resources. Although financial goals are of utmost importance, the ongoing controversy regarding the cast boycott has overshadowed the occasion. Following Trump’s participation, multiple performances, including a staging of Hamilton, have been taken off the program.
During a visit to the Center in March, Trump openly expressed his disapproval of the acclaimed musical, indicating that future programming would better reflect traditional values. He stated, ‘I have never been particularly fond of Hamilton. However, we are planning to present some excellent performances.’
I encourage you to visit and observe; over time, you will witness significant physical improvements. We are set to present some exceptional performances, particularly those that are successful on Broadway.
Despite assurances of superior entertainment, numerous artists and spectators remain cautious. They contend that political meddling threatens to transform the Kennedy Center into a politically biased entity, rather than a national emblem of artistic excellence and liberty.
