General Dynamics’ Clarification on A Drone Opera Production.
The Washington National Opera recently faced backlash after advertising the support of military contractor General Dynamics for its upcoming premiere of “Grounded,” an opera exploring the psychological effects of drone warfare. Critics accused the opera company of promoting the defense industry, and a think tank labeled it a “killer drone opera.” However, the creative team behind “Grounded” and the Metropolitan Opera in New York, which commissioned the opera, worked behind the scenes to ensure that General Dynamics had no involvement in the creation of the opera. After negotiations, the Washington National Opera posted a statement clarifying that no sponsor or supporter had any involvement in the creation of “Grounded” or its libretto. The episode highlights the difficulties that cultural institutions sometimes face in protecting the integrity of their art while cultivating rich donors.
4 thoughts on “General Dynamics’ Clarification on A Drone Opera Production.”
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General Dynamics’ involvement in a drone opera raises ethical questions about the intersection of art and war.
General Dynamics’ involvement in “Grounded” raises questions about the ethics of military contractors influencing artistic expression.
General Dynamics’ involvement in “Grounded” raises questions about the ethics of military contractors profiting from the psychological trauma of drone warfare.
General Dynamics’ involvement in “Grounded” raises questions about the ethics of partnering with a major military contractor for a production about the psychological impact of drone warfare.