Prolific Hollywood and stage actor Willem Dafoe raises concerns about President Donald Trump's takeover of the Kennedy Center.
Dafoe talked about the deadline at the 53rd International Theatre Festival of the Venice Biennale, and he decided to remove John Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Leadership, as the Commander-in-Chief is now chairman of the board of directors of the Kennedy Center.
Dafoe reportedly was shocked by Trump's actions because the president was “the person who is said to be restricting the government” and added that the administration suddenly became “very invasive.”
Actor Willem Dafoe expressed concerns about President Trump's takeover of the Kennedy Center. (Associated Press)
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“Let people be their own art and let art talk,” Dafoe said. He further explained, “We can develop our compassion and responsibility in society and leave it to the people.”
Dafoe talked about the deadline in an exclusive interview when he served as artistic director of the festival the following year after he launched the 53rd International Theatre Festival of the Venice Biennale.
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President Donald Trump was named chairman of the Kennedy Center earlier this year after restructuring the venue board. (Getty Image)
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“Okay, there are many,” Dafoe replied.
“It's not just a bad theater,” he said. “I can't imagine Donald Trump programming a series of performances at the Kennedy Center. I don't want to fall a rabbit hole here.”
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Dafoe added that the theater is important to him and is crucial to society.
“I think it's a place to get together and see where we are and what can happen. Because somewhere between the pandemic and technological advancement, everyone lives in their own little bubble.”
Ric Grenell, President Trump and the Kennedy Center. (Getty Image)
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“So the discourse sometimes has some hindrance, which sometimes has a negative impact because when everyone is busy with the small world, others can take care of the business. So the theater represents a very important way to get together and reflect on where we are and think differently from the reality we actually give us.”
Dafoe has appeared in several Hollywood blockbusters, including Spider-Man: No Way Home, 2002 “Spider-Man” directed by Sam Raimi, and “The Poor Things” who won an Oscar last year.
Dafoe did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Fox News Digital also contacted the Kennedy Center for comment, but did not hear immediately.
Fox News' Emma Colton contributed to the report.
