Months after Donald Trump vowed to eliminate “woke” programming at the Kennedy Center, specifically promising “NO MORE DRAG SHOWS”—the venue’s newly announced season appears to defy that directive, featuring multiple productions that prominently include drag.
Back in February, Trump made headlines by removing the Kennedy Center’s board of trustees, appointing himself as chair, and replacing leadership with his allies. Out gay Trump supporter Ric Grenell was named interim head. At the time, Trump promised to end what he called “anti-American propaganda,” stating, “Just last year, the Kennedy Center featured Drag Shows specifically targeting our youth — THIS WILL STOP.”
He later proclaimed his takeover would usher in a “Golden Age in Arts and Culture.”
Drag-Heavy Season Announced
Despite those pledges, the upcoming season, as reported by The Daily Beast, features a range of productions that include drag performance elements. These include Broadway staples such as Chicago, Mrs. Doubtfire, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, and Spamalot.
Each of these shows includes actors in drag roles as part of their storylines:
- In Mrs. Doubtfire, a man dresses as a woman to stay close to his children during a custody battle.
- Chicago features the character Mary Sunshine, traditionally played by a male soprano, and recently portrayed on Broadway by trans-femme, nonbinary drag performer Jinkx Monsoon.
- Spamalot includes comedic scenes of men playing women, echoing mediaeval theatrical traditions.
- Moulin Rouge! includes a character named Baby Doll—a drag queen performing in the club.
Harvey Fierstein Speaks Out
The move to politicise the Kennedy Center drew strong backlash. Tony Award-winning actor and playwright Harvey Fierstein, known for roles in Mrs. Doubtfire and works like La Cage Aux Folles and Hairspray, said he had been “banned” from the venue.
“I have been banned from THE KENNEDY CENTER,” Fierstein wrote on Instagram. “The shows I’ve written are now banned from being performed in our premiere American theatre.” He warned, “My fellow Americans, I warn you – this is NOT how it begins. This is how freedom ENDS!”
Grenell responded, dismissing the claim: “Come do Hairspray or La Cage here at the Kennedy Center. This is your personal invite.” It seems Grenell was truthful, as drag remains part of the centre’s programming, despite Trump’s earlier threats.
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