Delta pulls sponsorship of Public Theater over Trump, ‘Caesar’ controversy
The Shakespeare in the Park production of "Julius Caesar" depicts the title character as a President Donald Trump-like figure. His assassination in the show has spurred controversy. Credit: The Public Theater / Joan Marcus
Delta Air Lines has yanked its sponsorship of the Public Theater over the staging of “Julius Caesar” that depicts the assassination of the President Trump-like title character.
“No matter what your political stance may be, the graphic staging of Julius Caesar at this summer’s Free Shakespeare in the Park does not reflect Delta Air Lines’ values,” the company said in a statement on Sunday. “Their artistic and creative direction crossed the line on the standards of good taste. We have notified them of our decision to end our sponsorship as the official airline of The Public Theater effective immediately.”
The decision came ahead of opening night for the Shakespeare in the Park production on Monday. It has been in previews at Central Park’s Delacorte Theater since May 23 and runs through June 18.
The Oskar Eustis-directed modern-day rendition depicts Caesar in a business suit with golden hair — in lieu of a toga and laurel wreath crown — and a Melania Trump look-a-like as Caesar’s wife, Calpurnia.
The Public Theater did not immediately respond to requests for comment. It has hosted more than 5 million people to its free performances since the 1950s.
