Jeff London

Young Dragon, a Bruce Lee story, was co-commissioned by the Seattle Children's Theater and the Kennedy Center, but the play will now only run in Seattle.

The company's managing director says, quote, "...the landscape in which The Young Dragon was originally created has changed."

He acknowledges his organization will take a financial hit by withdrawing.

Since President Trump took over the Kennedy Center and the board added his name to the living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, many artists have left.

The Washington National Opera is leaving its home since 1971.

And just last week, the Martha Graham Dance Company announced it was canceling its spring run.

For NPR News, I'm Jeff London.

The 17-time Grammy-winning banjo player announced his withdrawal from the Kennedy Center on an Instagram post, saying, quote, "...performing there has become charged and political at an institution where the focus should be on the music."

Fleck wrote that he hopes to return to the National Symphony in the future, quote, when we can together share and celebrate art.

Since President Donald Trump took over as chairman of the board and most recently added his own name to the venue, many artists have decided to cancel performances.

They include Wicked composer Stephen Schwartz, performer Rhiannon Giddens, and the national tour of Lin-Manuel Miranda's Hamilton.

For NPR News, I'm Jeff London.

In a Facebook post, the National Board of the American College Theatre Festival writes, "...unfortunately our affiliation with the Kennedy Center is no longer viable due to circumstances and decisions that do not align with our organization's values."

Last week, the center's board, appointed and led by President Trump, voted to rename it the Trump-Kennedy Center, even though, according to law, it is a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy.

The ACTF will continue presenting its eight regional festivals in 2026.

For NPR News, I'm Jeff London in New York.

In a Facebook post, the National Board of the American College Theater Festival writes, quote,

Unfortunately, our affiliation with the Kennedy Center is no longer viable, due to circumstances and decisions that do not align with our organization's values.

Last week, the Center's board, appointed and led by President Trump, voted to rename it the Trump-Kennedy Center, even though, according to law, it is a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy.

The ACTF will continue presenting its eight regional festivals in 2026.