Kennedy Center Actor Discusses Trump's Board Takeover and Artistic Freedom

Trump's Kennedy Center Board Meeting

• 📌 President Trump attended a board meeting at the Kennedy Center, a month after terminating several board members and appointing himself chairman.
• 🗣️ Trump stated the Kennedy Center is in "tremendous disrepair" and expressed intent to work with lawmakers to change it.

Actor's Perspective on Building Condition

• 🎭 Joseph Delguste, an actor at the Kennedy Center, disputes the claim of disrepair, stating his experience is primarily in the Theater Lab which recently underwent repairs due to water damage.
• 🛠️ He notes that the building is old and systems are constantly being redone, including plans for a new orchestral lift, indicating it's not a dilapidated or ignored structure.

Impact on Artistic Expression

• 🎤 Delguste describes the Kennedy Center as a prestigious venue with national and world renown within the theatrical community.
• ⚠️ He notes that while his show hasn't directly felt scrutiny, producers have advised modifying the show to avoid political material related to the current administration or specific political figures.
• 🎭 This has led to an unease among cast members regarding their work and how they feel performing it.

Artists Pulling Shows and Artistic Choices

• 🤔 Delguste acknowledges the difficult question of whether artists pulling their shows is the right response to Trump's takeover.
• 🤝 He honors artists who stand up for their principles but also hopes people will continue to find and share good art at the Kennedy Center.
• ⚖️ He personally struggles with the decision to continue performing versus walking off the job, viewing it as a personal choice in picking battles, similar to how the president picks his.
• 🗓️ This situation was unexpected, especially compared to expectations at the end of the previous year.