The Seattle Children’s Theatre and Vocal Arts DC have joined the ever growing list of artists and groups to cancel performances at the Kennedy Center.
SCT was scheduled to perform the play “Young Dragon: A Bruce Lee Story” in April as a part of a bi-coastal premiere between the two Washingtons.
Taking to social media, the SCT said it was a, “difficult decision to cancel after deep listening and extensive dialogue with the artists, community partners, and the Bruce Lee family and foundation.”
Managing director Kevin Malgesini added, “the landscape in which the production was originally created has changed to an extent that going forward as planned was no longer possible.”
Bruce Lee’s daughter Shannon expressed her support to the SCT via statement saying, “my father’s story has always been about developing who you are while meeting the world with courage and compassion. ‘Young Dragon: A Bruce Lee Story’ reflects and directly spreads this message to today’s young people. While it’s unfortunate that the production won’t find a home in Washington, D.C. this spring, I fully support SCT’s commitment to the spirit of my father’s legacy of courageous action. I’m sincerely grateful to the artists, families, and community members who have poured their hearts into Young Dragon. We shall Walk On!”
Vocal Arts DC also spoke on social media saying, “lower ticket sales, frequent refund requests, and a decline of donations” in making the heartbreaking decision to cancel upcoming appearances scheduled for February, March and May.”
Lin-Manuel Miranda, Issa Rae, Bela Fleck, the American College Theatre Festival, the Washington National Opera, and now a tribute concert to John Coltrane, tenor Benjamin Bernheim, and pianist Carrie-Ann Matheson have all cancelled performances or will no longer make use of one of The Kennedy Center’s many concert halls and theatres.
Since the hostile takeover of the Kennedy Center last February, numerous artists have cancelled performances and ticket sales for remaining performances have been down some 40%.