CMU School of Drama


Monday, January 19, 2026

Washington National Opera Finds New Venue Following Kennedy Center Split

Playbill: Following the announcement of their departure from the Kennedy Center in the wake of President Trump's takeover, the Washington National Opera has successfully found a new venue at George Washington University, where they will stage two operas this coming spring.

1 comment:

Payton said...

I’m extremely glad the Washington National Opera cut ties with the venue so quickly, and that so many other touring shows did as well. It’s tragic to be watching moves made by the federal government step all over artists, but it makes a lot of sense; educated people who find strength in their communities engage with art. While it’s probably much more difficult for the company than what it looks like to us, their transition out of the venue they worked from for almost 50 years seems quite smooth (from a distance.) It’s important to recognize what happened/is happening to the Kennedy center and stay alert. Artists and educators should be more alert than ever, since of course the easiest people to control are divided and uneducated. Producing and engaging with arts is in itself an act of rebellion, especially after directly cutting ties with a venue after almost half a century.