The PLA declares war on fun as entertainment troops face cutbacks
Groups of entertainers charged with raising military morale face disbandment amid drive by the party to curb perceptions of excess
The People's Liberation Army is taking aim at its 10,000 entertainment soldiers, with most of the army's 30 troupes slated to close, according to military sources.
The groups of singers, dancers, actors, acrobats and other artists have long been a key part of the army, putting on shows to raise morale as well as define patriotism for the nation.
But amid a state-backed drive against excess, the crossover of the PLA and show business has become a highly visible target.
It is not yet clear how many performers will be laid off, but cuts are expected to be deep and affect most of the entertainment operations distributed throughout the army, including the seven key geographical military commands.
Only the headquarters of the PLA's political department and some key fighting forces would keep their own troupes, a Shanghai-based retired senior colonel told the Sunday Morning Post. Other troupes will be phased out.
"There are some suggestions that some military barracks might need to set up joint venture production houses with the public to keep their troupes, but their performers will not be paid by the army," the veteran said.