Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Coventina

(28,905 posts)
Tue Nov 11, 2025, 06:19 PM Tuesday

Washington National Opera may move out of Kennedy Center due to Trump 'takeover'

The Washington National Opera (WNO) is considering moving out of the Kennedy Center, the company’s home since the US’s national performing arts center opened in 1971.

The possibility has been forced on the company as a result of the “takeover” of the center by Donald Trump, according to WNO’s artistic director, Francesca Zambello. The president declared himself chair of the institution in February, sacking and replacing its board and leadership.

Leaving the Kennedy Center is a possible scenario after a collapse in box office revenue and “shattered” donor confidence in the wake of Trump’s takeover, said Zambello.

“It is our desire to perform in our home at the Kennedy Center,” she said. “But if we cannot raise enough money, or sell enough tickets in there, we have to consider other options.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/nov/07/washington-national-opera-kennedy-center

************************************************************************************************

Trump: the Demon of Death!

8 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Washington National Opera may move out of Kennedy Center due to Trump 'takeover' (Original Post) Coventina Tuesday OP
Their last performance there before they leave should be "Don Giovanni," Ocelot II Tuesday #1
I'd prefer Salome by Strauss . . . hatrack Tuesday #3
Yes, "Salome" is pretty dark and depraved, Ocelot II Yesterday #5
We could really use a Commendatore about now . . . hatrack 19 hrs ago #7
Samuel Ramey and Kurt Moll at the Met - one of the best performances ever. Ocelot II 16 hrs ago #8
I mourn for the wonderful Kennedy Center oberle Tuesday #2
It is clear that many think the same way as you do--which will continue riversedge 21 hrs ago #6
ETTD Totally Tunsie Tuesday #4

Ocelot II

(128,249 posts)
1. Their last performance there before they leave should be "Don Giovanni,"
Tue Nov 11, 2025, 06:23 PM
Tuesday

Mozart's great opera about a wealthy seducer, rapist and murderer who refuses to repent and is finally dragged to Hell.

hatrack

(63,957 posts)
3. I'd prefer Salome by Strauss . . .
Tue Nov 11, 2025, 07:10 PM
Tuesday

. . . with Trump as Herod and Ivanka as Salome. AFAIK, the only opera about incest and necrophilia, which sounds about right.

Ocelot II

(128,249 posts)
5. Yes, "Salome" is pretty dark and depraved,
Wed Nov 12, 2025, 12:48 AM
Yesterday

but I still like watching debauched assholes get dragged off to Hell.

oberle

(238 posts)
2. I mourn for the wonderful Kennedy Center
Tue Nov 11, 2025, 07:07 PM
Tuesday

I have spent many enjoyable hours in there, but will no longer until the Tangerine Turd is no more.

riversedge

(78,806 posts)
6. It is clear that many think the same way as you do--which will continue
Wed Nov 12, 2025, 06:27 AM
21 hrs ago

until Trump is out of the scene. I am not an opera fan but I do enjoy a good play and the performers are the ones suffering--like so many other workers across our country.

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Washington National Opera...