As downtown Los Angeles prepared for its sixth night under curfew, the Music Center welcomed opera and theater enthusiasts for matinee performances of L.A. Opera’s “Rigoletto” and Center Theatre Group’s “Hamlet.” These shows occurred just a day after thousands protested against immigration raids in the city.
The Center Theatre Group had previously canceled its Wednesday night performance of “Hamlet” due to the unrest but received a curfew exemption for ticket holders. This exemption allowed indoor events at venues like the Music Center to proceed as scheduled. While Saturday’s performances of “Hamlet” were also canceled out of caution, the L.A. Opera’s “Rigoletto” continued without interruption, and another event featuring Renee Fleming took place that evening.
On Sunday, the atmosphere around the Music Center was calm. Attendees noticed only a few police cars nearby, and the absence of protests made many feel more at ease about attending. Before the show, ticket holders shared their thoughts on attending during such uncertain times and the importance of supporting the arts.
Gabe Acero and Sam Pancake, both familiar with the theater scene, expressed their excitement about attending “Rigoletto.” Pancake noted that it was his first time at the L.A. Opera, despite living in Los Angeles since 1987. He mentioned that he had planned to bring his nephew, a punk rock fan who enjoys opera, but the recent protests made him hesitant. Acero, whose father works as a security guard, reassured him that events were still happening despite the curfew.
“I have no fear. I’ve lived through protests before,” Pancake said, reflecting on the importance of attending the opera even amid unrest. He acknowledged the efforts of the L.A. Opera to keep patrons informed about safety measures and curfew exemptions.
Other attendees, like Muriel Asch and Arlene Block from Laguna Woods, also expressed their love for the opera. They felt safe attending, believing the venue was far from the protest areas. Asch mentioned that a bus had been organized from their community to the performance, highlighting the community’s support for the arts.
David Johnson, a social justice pastor from Palos Verdes, shared his perspective on the protests and the importance of attending the opera. He emphasized that the arts should be accessible to everyone, including people of color, and that attending such events is a way to show support for the performers.
Meanwhile, Kathleen Hougesen and Jan Kelley, both regular attendees of the L.A. Opera, felt reassured by the venue’s communication regarding safety. They appreciated the opportunity to escape from political discussions and enjoy the emotional experience of the opera.
As the performances began, attendees reflected on the significance of supporting the arts, especially in light of recent challenges faced by the industry. Many shared a belief that attending shows not only provides an escape but also helps sustain the artists and the cultural scene in Los Angeles.
The event at the Music Center served as a reminder that even in times of unrest, the arts can bring people together, offering comfort and connection.