Accusations fly thick and fast over Chinese cultural group’s Cultural Revolution ‘red songs’ concert
Stung by the criticism that the show had Cultural Revolution overtones, organisers refuse to take responsibility for the event
The performers and organisers of a concert in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing that featured Cultural Revolution “red songs” are refusing to take responsibility for the event.
There has been confusion among some members of the public over whether Monday’s concert, given its high-profile location, signalled a political stance or intention in the lead-up to the 50th anniversary of the revolution.
The event was staged by the Fifty-Six Flowers troupe and the China National Opera and Dance Drama Theatre, which is directly under the Ministry of Culture.
The theatre group, which is one of the top departments in charge of performances at the hall, said it was deceived by the co-organiser.
The cultural authority for Xicheng district, where the hall is located, said it approved the concert last month but the performers added a new organiser “in violation of regulations” and accused the performers of making up a propaganda agency.