"The Kennedy Center has become a political lightning rod since Trump overhauled its board, renamed it after himself, and installed Ric Grenell as president. Philip Glass pulled out; Renée Fleming pulled out. SF Ballet joined that list, and the New York Times called it the most prominent cancellation from the dance world so far."
"Mere Mortals premiered in 2024 as the marquee commission of Artistic Director Tamara Rojo's first season, and it knocked me sideways. Part nightclub show, part contortion act, the whole thing felt like something I could see at Coachella or in a Lady Gaga music video."
"Now, buying your ticket and sitting in that seat is you saying: I reject what's happening out there. I'm choosing to be in a room full of people who believe art still matters."
The San Francisco Ballet canceled its upcoming performance of Mere Mortals at the Kennedy Center, a decision influenced by the venue's political controversies. This cancellation is part of a larger trend, with notable artists like Philip Glass and Renée Fleming also withdrawing. Mere Mortals, which premiered in 2024, represents a significant artistic statement, and attending the performance now symbolizes a rejection of current societal issues. The ballet's performance is scheduled for April 24 to May 3, 2026, at the War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco.
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