State-funded arts troupes fail to shine against Falun Gong rivals abroad
Several mainland artists, members of the nation's top political advisory body, have lamented the poor overseas showing of state-sanctioned performance troupes amid competition from groups funded by the Falun Gong spiritual movement, which is banned on the mainland.
Xu, a Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference delegate, said a variety show by the Falun Gong-sponsored Shenyun performance arts troupe had become a hit last year.
He said he was alarmed by the show, as it was based on traditional Chinese folk stories and legends similar to those that state-sponsored shows stage. Xu also accused the central government of ruining Chinese culture.
"To be fair, the show is very eye-catching for its modern stage design and highly trained cast, comprised mostly of second- or third-generation Chinese," he said. "On top of that, it's a commercial show that makes money." A growing number of mainland art troupes have been going overseas on state-sponsored tours as part of a central government initiative to promote Chinese culture.
Troupes' obsession with such tours has seen hordes of Chinese artists rush to perform in the Musikverein concert hall in Vienna, Austria, in recent years.
Top Chinese artists including soprano Song Zuying and pianist Lang Lang have performed at the venue, the home of the Vienna Philharmonic orchestra.