Issa Rae cancels Kennedy Centre show after Trump takeover

Issa Rae, a well-known actress, writer, and producer, has made the significant decision to cancel her upcoming performance at the Kennedy Centre in Washington, D. C. This event, titled 'An Evening With Issa Rae', was completely sold out, meaning that all tickets had been purchased by eager fans. Rae's choice to cancel stems from her strong feelings about the recent appointment of Donald Trump as the chairman of the Kennedy Centre. She expressed that this change represents an 'infringement of values' that the venue has historically upheld. Rae, who is celebrated for her work on the HBO series 'Insecure', emphasized the importance of the Kennedy Centre as a place that has 'faithfully celebrated artists of all backgrounds through all mediums'. The announcement of the cancellation was made through Rae's Instagram story, where she also assured her fans that all ticket purchases would be refunded. This means that those who had planned to attend the show will receive their money back. The Kennedy Centre, which is dedicated to showcasing a variety of performing arts, including music, dance, and drama, was established to honor the legacy of President John F. Kennedy. Rae's decision highlights her commitment to ensuring that the arts remain a space for diverse voices and perspectives. Rae is not alone in her stance against the Kennedy Centre's new leadership. Earlier this week, Shonda Rhimes, the executive producer of the hit series 'Bridgerton', also stepped down from her role as the centre's treasurer. Rhimes, who is a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, quoted John F. Kennedy in her resignation, stating, 'If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his vision wherever it takes him. ' This powerful statement underscores the belief that artists should have the freedom to express themselves without restrictions. Additionally, other artists have followed suit, distancing themselves from the Kennedy Centre. Ben Folds, a singer-songwriter, announced his resignation as an artistic advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra, citing the recent developments at the centre as his reason for leaving. He expressed his disappointment and sadness over the situation. Renée Fleming, a renowned opera singer and actress, also stepped down from her role as an artistic advisor, stating that she did so 'out of respect' for her colleagues. In a recent turn of events, the Kennedy Centre announced the cancellation of a children's musical titled 'Finn', which was about a young shark who wanted to express his true self. The creators of the show, Chris Nee, Michael Kooman, and Christopher Dimond, expressed their heartbreak over the cancellation but vowed to continue their mission of creating joy for children. They stated, 'While not a surprise given the events of the last week, it is a heartbreak. But we will not be silenced. ' This sentiment reflects the determination of artists to stand up for their beliefs and continue to create meaningful work, even in the face of adversity. In summary, Issa Rae's cancellation of her show at the Kennedy Centre is part of a larger movement among artists who are advocating for their values and the importance of artistic freedom. The Kennedy Centre has a long-standing reputation for supporting the arts, and many hope that it will continue to be a place where all artists are celebrated and respected.