A group of drag stars is poised to make a statement at Wednesday night’s performance of Les Misérables at the historic John F. Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Their plan? To protest the scheduled attendance of President Trump and Vice President Vance. This marks Trump's first visit to the iconic venue since he took control, dismissing the previous board and installing himself as chairman. His controversial maneuver has ignited backlash, especially with his commitment to eradicate what he terms “woke” programming associated with leftist ideologies.
On social media, Trump declared, “There will be NO MORE DRAG SHOWS, OR OTHER ANTI-AMERICAN PROPAGANDA.” This proclamation has fueled discontent among ticket holders, prompting many to donate their tickets upon learning of Trump and Vance’s attendance, as reported by Qommittee, a network of drag performers, fans, and allies.
One of the performers, Vagenesis, expressed her reasons for protesting, stating that Trump's pledge to halt drag performances at the center is a direct affront to the values of theater. “Theater is supposed to be a place of community, a place of storytelling, a place of celebration, joy, catharsis, and it should be open and available to all,” she explained to NPR.
In light of Trump's actions, several members of the Les Misérables cast are expected to boycott the performance. While cast members have largely remained silent on social media regarding their stance, reports suggest that as many as a dozen performers will choose not to perform during Trump’s attendance. CNN noted that the cast was given the option to abstain from performing on the night the president is in the audience, with both lead cast members and ensemble members among those opting out.
A representative from the Les Misérables company shared with The Independent, “The National Tour of Les Misérables is looking forward to performing for D.C. audiences beginning tonight and throughout the engagement at the Kennedy Center, where the U.S. first saw the original production in 1986.”
The Kennedy Center, which opened its doors in 1971, has a long-standing tradition of hosting a diverse array of productions, from operas to contemporary musicals and symphonies. This esteemed institution has showcased renowned artists, including the Paul Taylor Dance Company and a unique concert featuring Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga.
Following Trump's return to the Oval Office, he dismissed the Kennedy Center's leadership, placing Richard Grenell, a loyalist, in charge. Furthermore, Trump appointed Usha Vance and several other notable figures, including White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and Attorney General Pam Bondi, to the center’s board. This shake-up prompted high-profile resignations from notable performers, including Issa Rae from Insecure and Shonda Rhimes, the creator of Grey’s Anatomy, who withdrew from their positions in protest.
The Kennedy Center has experienced a staggering 50 percent decline in ticket sales, leading to the cancellation of performances, including the touring children’s musical Finn and a planned concert featuring the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, D.C. Trump has claimed, “The Kennedy Center is coming back. It was not properly taken care of, and we are taking it back and turning it back into something great.”
Despite the controversy, Trump has previously expressed his affection for Les Misérables, stating, “I love the songs; I love the play. I think it’s great.” He has even played the musical’s revolutionary anthem, “Do You Hear the People Sing?” at past events and rallies. The production, which revolves around the themes of revolution in France, has enjoyed immense success over the years. Trump has also hinted, “we may extend” the show’s run, currently scheduled to continue at the Kennedy Center through July 13.
Vagenesis reiterated the peaceful nature of their protest, stating that their presence on opening night aims to send a strong message. “I hope it delivers the message that we're not backing down. We're not allowing this kind of bigotry and erasure to stop us from doing what we want to do, or from existing,” she concluded.
