Issa Rahe is an award-winning writer, actress, director, media mogul and media mogul. She’s known for HBO series that changed the world. Unsafe Her memorable role in blockbuster films Barbie, who was scheduled to appear at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on a sold-out basis, cancelled the appearance. Rae’s decision is in reaction to the recent appointment of President Donald Trump as Chairman and Rae’s perception of an infringement upon the core values.
Issa’s statement and rationale
Rae announced she was withdrawing from “An Evening with Issa Rae“, an event originally planned for 16th March, due to a conflict with her values. She expressed her concern in a Thursday statement about what she called “a violation of the values of… an institution which has loyally celebrated artists from all backgrounds using all media.” Since then, the event was removed from Kennedy Center website. The full amount of the ticket price will be refunded to all holders.
Background to Trump’s Role and Resignations Subsequently
This controversy is based on the Kennedy Center board’s decision to name former president Donald Trump its chairman. The move came after Trump replaced board members appointed by Biden with people loyal to him. The changes made have had a significant impact on the art community.
A number of prominent individuals have resigned in protest. Shonda Rhimes resigned from her position as treasurer after President Barack Obama appointed her. Renowned soprano Renée Fleming and singer-songwriter Ben Folds also announced their resignations from their positions as artistic advisors to the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO), an organization overseen by the Kennedy Center. The resignations reflect the divisions within the arts community about the new direction the Kennedy Center will take under the new leadership.
Low Cut Connie has also cancelled a performance, due to the change in leadership at the institution.
Nominations of new board members and key appointments
The Kennedy Center’s newly reformed board includes a number of figures from the Trump administration. The new board members include former Attorney General Pam Bondi as well as Usha Vance and Sergio Gor. Allison Lutnick’s wife, Howard Lutnick of the Commerce Department, Andrea Wynn (wife of GOP donor Steve Wynn), country singer Lee Greenwood and Fox News Laura Ingraham also make up this board.
Richard Grenell, Trump’s former Special U.S. Envoy, was appointed interim executive director at the Kennedy Center.
Reactions of Key Figures
- Issa Rae: “Thank you so much for selling out the Kennedy Center for ‘An Evening With {Me}’. Unfortunately, because of what I consider to be a violation of the values of this institution, which has celebrated artists of every background through various mediums for many years, I decided to cancel my performance at this venue. Tickets will be reimbursed. Please accept my sincere thanks for your patience and understanding.
- Deborah Rutter is the former president of The Kennedy Center “The Kennedy Center strives to uphold its namesake by serving as an example for others and making sure that our work is representative of America.” Everything we’ve done at the Kennedy Center, from the artwork on our stages to the classrooms we’ve impacted across America, has focused on uplifting human spirit and strengthening culture in our great nation.
- Adam Weiner, Low Cut Connie: After learning that the institution, which has been non-partisan for 54 year is now headed by Trump and his government I have decided not to perform at this venue.
- Ben Folds: In light of recent developments at the Kennedy Center I resign today as an artistic adviser to the NSO. “Not for me.”
- Donald Trump It is a great honor to serve as Chairman of The Kennedy Center with such a wonderful Board of Trustees. “We will make The Kennedy Center an exciting and special place!”
The Future
Issa Rahe’s cancelation and the resignations by key figures highlight the concerns that are growing within the art community about the future of the Kennedy Center. Discussions and debates continue as the events unfold about the impact President Trump’s leadership will have on the institution, and the commitment it has to artistic diversity.