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

[Coventina]

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

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Trump: the Demon of Death!

[Ocelot II]

1. Their last performance there before they leave should be "Don Giovanni,"

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

[hatrack]

3. I'd prefer Salome by Strauss . . .

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

[Ocelot II]

5. Yes, "Salome" is pretty dark and depraved,

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

[hatrack]

7. We could really use a Commendatore about now . . .

[Ocelot II]

8. Samuel Ramey and Kurt Moll at the Met - one of the best performances ever.

[oberle]

2. I mourn for the wonderful Kennedy Center

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

[riversedge]

6. It is clear that many think the same way as you do--which will continue

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.

[Totally Tunsie]

4. ETTD