Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s upcoming Broadway appearance highlights the growing disconnect between woke culture and traditional American values. On Saturday, Jackson will make her debut in the feminist musical “& Juliet,” a reimagining of Shakespeare’s classic Romeo and Juliet. The production is steeped in progressive ideology, celebrating gender fluidity, feminist themes, and modern identity politics.
According to Entertainment Weekly, Jackson will take on an “undisclosed walk-on role,” fulfilling a long-held personal ambition. In her memoir, she wrote about her desire to be “the first Black, female Supreme Court justice to appear on a Broadway stage.” While New York City’s liberal circles may celebrate this moment, many Americans view it as another example of woke excess infiltrating public life.
The musical itself represents a radical departure from Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy. In “& Juliet,” the heroine rejects her fate and embarks on a journey of self-discovery, accompanied by her friend May, a character who questions their gender identity, and Angelique, her devoted nurse. Romeo, meanwhile, is depicted as a “deliciously dim himbo.” This narrative turns classic literature into a vehicle for progressive social commentary.
Gerardine Sacdalan, who previously portrayed Juliet, emphasized the musical’s feminist core. Speaking to The Scotsman, she noted, “Juliet tackles so many important messages, but feminism leads.” English actress Miriam-Teak Lee added in Teen Vogue that the play aims to uplift young people by promoting self-love, a message aligned with modern identity-focused culture.
Justice Jackson’s participation aligns with her broader ideological leanings. In March, Jackson questioned the limits of free speech during oral arguments in a case involving President Biden’s administration. Her comments raised concerns about governmental overreach and censorship. Justice Clarence Thomas has also criticized Jackson for a “race-infused worldview,” arguing that she sees America as an irredeemably racist society needing top-down interventions.
President-elect Donald Trump’s decisive victory in the 2024 election underscores this shift. A growing number of voters are pushing back against progressive ideologies and what they see as cultural decay. Productions like “& Juliet” may find an audience in New York City, but they are likely to be met with indifference or disdain elsewhere.
