SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — A petition launched calling for the San Francisco Ballet to cancel its upcoming performance at the Kennedy Center has garnered thousands of signatures. The Ballet is scheduled to bring its production of “Mere Mortal” to the center for a four-day run from May 27 through May 31.
However, appearing at the center has become controversial since President Donald Trump rechristened it the “Trump Kennedy Center” and installed himself chairman of its board. Many artists have canceled appearances at the renamed center, including the Washington National Opera, composer Philip Glass, the Martha Graham Dance Company, and a production of “Hamilton.”
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But the SF Ballet performance is currently set to go ahead. According to the petition, the Ballet’s board met Thursday to discuss the matter but has not announced any change of course.
“As a devoted San Francisco resident and an ardent supporter of the San Francisco Ballet, it pains me to address something that could tarnish the name and spirit of an institution I hold dear,” the petition reads. “The decision to host a San Francisco Ballet performance at the Kennedy Center in May, 2026, following a significant transformation of the venue due to a takeover influenced by policies reminiscent of the Trump administration, has stirred substantial concern among patrons, artists, and citizens alike.”…