The opera 'The Central Park Five' explores the wrongful convictions of Black and Latino boys, framing President Trump as an aggressive political figure. Initially premiered in 2019 when Trumpâs ratings were low, the opera returns to a different political landscape where he feels more empowered. With financial backing from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Detroit Opera faces potential backlash for its critical tone, knowing the risks involved with presenting a piece that confronts such an influential and polarizing figure as Trump.
The opera, which chronicles how the young men were forced to confess and later were exonerated, depicts President Trump as an inflammatory figure from 1989.
Detroit Opera understands the perils of mounting a production that waves a red cape at a pumped-up, reactive presidency.
The production, partially financed by a federal grant, was awarded before the Trump administration canceled many existing grants.
Trump's portrayal resonates differently now, as he is viewed as an emboldened political force, intensifying concerns among the opera's leadership.
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