Washington, D.C. — The Kennedy Center is standing firm against a planned boycott from a group of actors, signaling a clash over politics in the performing arts. On Wednesday, reports surfaced that ten of the twelve cast members from the touring production of “Les Misérables” intend to skip a performance scheduled for when former President Donald Trump is in attendance.
Richard Grenell, who assumed the role of interim director at the Kennedy Center earlier this year, issued a pointed response to the actors’ actions. “We have not been made aware of this rumor,” he stated in a message to Entertainment Weekly. “However, the Kennedy Center will no longer support intolerance.”
Grenell’s appointment followed a controversial restructuring at the Kennedy Center initiated by Trump, who took an active role in leadership changes and stepped into the role of board chairman. The new director made it clear that his vision for the venue involves embracing a diverse audience and talents, regardless of their political views.
“Any artist who cannot rise above personal biases to perform for various audiences will not be welcomed,” Grenell remarked. He highlighted the importance of transparency in the industry, suggesting it is essential to identify performers who impose political agendas on their work. “It’s vital that producers are aware of those who restrict audience engagement to political litmus tests,” he added.
Grenell underscored the Kennedy Center’s mission as a space for all political affiliations to coexist, emphasizing that the goal is to foster enjoyment and appreciation of the arts rather than engage in divisive partisan discourse. “We aim to create an environment where individuals can sit together and appreciate performances without inquiring about each other’s political choices,” he noted.
The backdrop to this unfolding drama includes Trump’s prior comments about his vision for the Kennedy Center, where he has expressed disapproval of certain entertainment forms he deems contrary to his values. Earlier this year, he stated his intention to eliminate performances he considers “anti-American,” expressing a desire for what he calls “the best” in entertainment.
As this situation develops, the reaction from both the artistic community and the public remains to be seen, introducing more questions about the intersection of art and politics in venues traditionally viewed as platforms for free expression. The Kennedy Center’s commitment to inclusivity will likely be tested in the coming weeks as the performance date approaches.