Baltimore Center Stage says it won't avoid social justice themes, risking its federal funds

The Trump Administration’s sustained attack on efforts to center diversity, equity and inclusion in the culture of for-profit and non-profit organizations, government entities, and society at large, have had an undeniable effect on the cultural climate in our country. While AI is scouring government documents for words the administration finds distasteful, some arts organizations, who are often at the forefront of bringing social justice issues to the attention of their audiences, are scrambling to eliminate those themes from programs that receive federal funding. Not Baltimore Center Stage, however. Last week, the theatre announced it would not comply with new federal guidelines disavowing topics like equity or gender. Two leaders from Baltimore Center Stage join Midday to discuss the decision, and what it means for the future of the theatre. Stevie Walker Webb is the theater’s artistic director and Adam Frank is the Managing Director.