The famous broadway musical “Hamilton” has announced its plans to no longer perform at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. next year.
The reason for the cancellation was cited by the show’s producer to be President Donald Trump’s recent involvement in the center. Trump dismantled the arts organization’s Board of Trustees and appointed himself its chairman.
An event at the center with the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C. and the National Symphony Orchestra has also been canceled since Trump’s involvement. As a show that was supposed to kick off the start of Pride Month, its cancellation left many upset and angered.
I think the show removing itself from performing at the center in light of recent happenings is understandable and admirable. As one of the most famous Broadway musicals, especially one so closely tied to real U.S. history, this stance against Trump is so important. Trump’s involvement in the center is harmful and just another example of the erasure of things like LGBTQ+ celebrations now taking place within our government.
“Hamilton” is letting people know what they stand for and who they want to represent. Although disappointing to some, as I can imagine, the broader picture is more important here. The message they are sending is one of retaliation against a discriminatory government and leader.
oparisi@ramapo.edu
Featured photo courtesy of Hamilton headout
