Renowned actress, writer, and producer Issa Rae has officially canceled her much-anticipated appearance at Washington’s Kennedy Center, citing an “infringement of values” as the reason for her decision.
The move comes after former U.S. President Donald Trump appointed himself as the venue’s chairman, a controversial action that has sparked outrage among artists and patrons alike.
The decision to step away from her event, An Evening With Issa Rae, was met with widespread reactions from fans and fellow creatives.
The event, which had already sold out, was scheduled to take place on March 16. Rae assured attendees that all tickets would be fully refunded, emphasizing that her withdrawal was a necessary stand against what she saw as an undermining of the Kennedy Center’s core mission.
In her announcement, Rae expressed deep concern about the impact of the changes being imposed on the venue.
“The Kennedy Center has long stood as a beacon of artistic excellence, celebrating creators from all backgrounds and disciplines. To see its integrity compromised in this way is deeply troubling,” she wrote on her Instagram story, where she first shared the news with her followers.
The Kennedy Center, officially named the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, is known for its commitment to showcasing a diverse range of artistic expressions.
With a mission dedicated to presenting classical and contemporary music, opera, drama, dance, and other performing arts from around the world, the institution has historically been a symbol of cultural enrichment and education.
Trump’s recent decision to dismiss the board of trustees and take direct control of the Kennedy Center has raised significant concerns.
When asked about his actions, he told Time Magazine, “We took over the Kennedy Center. We didn’t like what they were showing and various other things. I’m going to be chairman of it, and we’re going to make sure that it’s good and it’s not going to be woke.”
Rae is not the only high-profile figure to distance herself from the Kennedy Center following these developments. Other influential figures in the arts and entertainment industry have also stepped away in protest of what they see as an attempt to politicize the institution.
Earlier this week, esteemed television producer and writer Shonda Rhimes announced her resignation as the center’s treasurer.
Rhimes, best known for creating Grey’s Anatomy and producing hit shows like Bridgerton, took to Instagram to share a quote from John F. Kennedy: “If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his vision wherever it takes him.”
Musician Ben Folds also made headlines when he announced his resignation as the artistic adviser to the National Symphony Orchestra. In a public statement, he declared, “Given developments at the Kennedy Center, effective today I am resigning as artistic adviser to the NSO. Not for me.”
Opera singer and actress Renée Fleming joined the list of departures, stating that she was stepping down from her role as an artistic adviser “out of respect” for her colleagues and the artistic values the institution has historically upheld.
Amidst these departures, reports emerged that the Kennedy Center had also canceled an upcoming tour of Finn, an acclaimed children’s musical it had previously produced. The production, which tells the story of a young shark embracing his individuality, was widely praised for its positive messaging and creative storytelling.
The show’s creators, Chris Nee, Michael Kooman, and Christopher Dimond, voiced their disappointment over the decision, making it clear that they were unwilling to let the circumstances silence their artistic voices.
“While not a surprise given the events of the last week, it is a heartbreak. But we will not be silenced. And we will not abandon the kids we wrote this show for. They are already under attack from every side,” they wrote in a joint statement online.
Many in the arts community see these recent actions as a direct attack on artistic freedom. The Kennedy Center, long regarded as a pillar of creative expression, now finds itself at the center of a political and cultural controversy that threatens to reshape its identity.
Artists and audiences alike have taken to social media to voice their frustration and disappointment. Many are calling for a collective effort to resist the changes being imposed on the Kennedy Center, emphasizing the importance of maintaining an institution that champions diverse voices and perspectives.
As the controversy continues to unfold, the future of the Kennedy Center remains uncertain. However, what is clear is that artists like Issa Rae, Shonda Rhimes, and others are unwilling to compromise their values, standing firm in their commitment to artistic integrity and freedom of expression.
