The recent performance of "Les Misérables" at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., has sparked a heated debate about artistic expression versus financial politics. US President Donald Trump's attendance at the event was met with mixed reactions from the audience, with some critics accusing him of using the occasion to promote his own image and agenda.
The musical's creators have clarified that "Les Misérables" is not about socialism or communism, as Trump seemed to believe. However, this did little to quell the controversy surrounding the event. The Kennedy Center has been a target of criticism from Trump, who has deemed it "out of control" with "rampant political propaganda."
The incident highlights the complex relationship between art and finance, where artistic expression is often tied to financial interests. The Kennedy Center's reliance on government money and private donations makes it a prime target for these financial politics.
Despite the controversy surrounding the event, the performance raised over $10 million for the Kennedy Center, with some supporters paying up to $2 million to attend. This serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between creative freedom and financial politics in the arts.