The renowned musical, Hamilton, has announced its withdrawal from the John F. Kennedy Performing Arts Center's lineup, a decision that follows the Trump administration's recent restructuring of the center's staff.
As reported by Breitbart News, President Trump assumed the chairmanship of the center last month, following the dismissal of President Deborah Rutter. Consequently, Richard Grenell, a Trump aide and former ambassador to Germany, was appointed as interim president, replacing outgoing chair David Rubenstein. This reshuffling prompted several prominent figures, including the acclaimed soprano Rene Fleming, to sever their ties with the Kennedy Center.
Fleming, in a statement, expressed her appreciation for the bipartisan support the institution had enjoyed, describing it as a "beacon of America at our best." She voiced her hope that the Kennedy Center would "continue to flourish and serve the passionate and diverse audience in our nations capital and across the country."
Hamilton's creator, Lin-Manuel Miranda, a known advocate of left-wing causes, and lead producer Jeffrey Seller, expressed their concerns about the Trump administration's influence on the Kennedy Center in a joint interview with the New York Times. They argued that the administration had deviated the center from its bipartisan roots. The musical was slated to participate in the Kennedy Center's celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Miranda stated, "This latest action by Trump means its not the Kennedy Center as we knew it. The Kennedy Center was not created in this spirit, and were not going to be a part of it while it is the Trump Kennedy Center. Were just not going to be part of it."
Seller echoed Miranda's sentiments, stating that the Hamilton creative team felt that Trump had "took away our national arts center for all of us." He added, "It became untenable for us to participate in an organization that had become so deeply politicized. The Kennedy Center is for all of us, and it pains me deeply that they took it over and changed that. They said its not for all of us. Its just for Donald Trump and his crowd. So we made a decision we cant do it.
Interestingly, the Broadway production of Hamilton has previously been embroiled in political controversy. In 2016, the cast members addressed then Vice President Mike Pence from the stage during his attendance, following his and Trump's victory over Hillary Clinton in the Electoral College.
Actor Brandon Victor Dixon, who portrayed Aaron Burr, stated, We, sir we are the diverse America who are alarmed and anxious that your new administration will not protect us, our planet, our children, our parents, or defend us and uphold our inalienable rights. We truly hope that this show has inspired you to uphold our American values and to work on behalf all of us.
In reaction to Hamilton's withdrawal, interim Kennedy Center president Richard Grenell accused Miranda and Seller of orchestrating a publicity stunt that will backfire, alleging that they simply cant be in the same room with Republicans.
Grenell stated, Lets be clear on the facts. Seller and [Lin-Manuel] first went to the New York Times before they came to the Kennedy Center with their announcement that they cant be in the same room with Republicans. This is a publicity stunt that will backfire. The Arts are for everyone not just for the people who Lin likes and agrees with. The American people need to know that [Miranda] is intolerant of people who dont agree with him politically. Its clear he and Sellers dont want Republicans going to their shows. Americans see you, Lin.
Login