Demonstrations and enforced night-time restrictions dampen L.A. Philharmonic and 'Hamlet' performances; financial distress escalates among arts organizations.
A Downtown LA Curfew: The Unwanted Side Effect
Out of the chaos of recent ICE protests, a curfew in downtown L.A. has been imposed by Mayor Karen Bass. While this move aimed to quell the turmoil, it has unexpectedly backfired for arts organizations within the curfew zone.
Notably, performances of "Hamlet" at the Mark Taper Forum and the final night of the Los Angeles Philharmonic's Seoul Festival were cancelled, as they fell under the curfew. The curfew applies not just for Tuesday, but extended to the following day, forcing the cancellation of "Hamlet" again, directed by Robert O'Hara and featuring Patrick Ball, known for his role in "The Pitt" Max show.
Other organizations such as Los Angeles Opera, Museum of Contemporary Art, the Broad museum, and the Japanese American National Museum, grapple with the domino effect of civic unrest. All these organizations expand their resources due to the volatile future as thousands of National Guard troops and Marines are deployed under President Trump's orders.
"Center Theatre Group stands broken-hearted by the events escalating around us, affecting countless Angelenos," the company stated. For them, safety is paramount for their patrons, cast, crew, and staff. As of now, the company hopes to open "Parade" at the Ahmanson Theatre next week, as scheduled.
The LA Opera is slated to present "Rigoletto" on Thursday and Sunday at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, with "Renee Fleming and Friends" on Saturday. The company assures that it remains unscathed by protest or law enforcement activity, but awaits updates from city officials about the curfew. All upcoming performances are proceeding as planned, with the option to exchange tickets for ticket holders who wish to avoid the downtown area.
A representative from the Music Center, including Disney Hall, the Taper, the Ahmanson, and the Dorothy Chandler, acknowledges the uncertain financial impact, but urged solidarity.
MOCA closed its Geffen Contemporary building early on Sunday, out of caution. The performance "Police State," led by Pussy Riot frontwoman Nadya Tolokonnikova, was postponed due to the curfew. Other museums like the Broad museum on Grand Avenue and the Japanese American National Museum in Little Tokyo remain open but may experience temporary closures due to various reasons.
In Little Tokyo, the Japanese American National Museum suffered significant graffiti but is actively working to clean and repair its damages. Newspapers suggest that there is a community cleanup effort planned for Thursday in JANM's plaza.
In this bizarre and unpredictable week, the Little Tokyo Public Safety Assn. and other community groups vow to stand by the principles of peaceful protest and social justice.
- The Protest curfews wallop downtown restaurants: "Just stay open, make money where we can"
- In L.A.'s Little Tokyo, navigating a surreal week
- Immigration raids intensify, with hundreds of arrests and tense moments across L.A. area
Insights: Los Angeles is experiencing a series of citywide protests, some involving immigration policies. This instability can indirectly affect museum operations, public access, or scheduled programming due to increased police presence and street closures. In such fluid situations, cultural institutions prioritize safety, engage in community support, and adapt to challenges presented by large-scale civic engagement and ongoing advocacy efforts. However, it is unconfirmed whether specific executive orders by President Trump have imposed restrictions on these organizations themselves.
- Even as downtown Los Angeles restaurants struggle under the impact of protest curfews, they continue to operate where possible, with the aim of generating income.
- In the surreal week of LA's Little Tokyo, the community grapples with immigration raids, resulting in numerous arrests and tense moments across the region.
- The curfew imposed in Downtown LA by Mayor Karen Bass has unwanted consequences, affecting not just immigration-related protests, but also organizations within the arts and entertainment sector, such as the Mark Taper Forum and the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
- Amidst the volatile future, arts organizations like the Los Angeles Opera, Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Japanese American National Museum are forced to stretch their resources due to the unrest.
- The curfew disrupts scheduled performances, resulting in cancellations for productions like "Hamlet" at the Mark Taper Forum and "Rigoletto" at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.
- In the midst of these challenges, cultural institutions prioritize the safety of their patrons and staff, while advocating for principles of peaceful protest and social justice.
- As part of the community response, a planned cleanup effort is scheduled for Thursday in the Japanese American National Museum's plaza, in an attempt to mitigate graffiti damages caused during the recent protests.
