The Performing Arts in Contemporary China

Colin MacKerras

Routledge, Jul 9, 2004 - History - 243 pages

First published in 1981.

The overthrow of the 'gang of four' in October 1976 had profound effects in all areas of Chinese society, and probably nowhere can this be more clearly seen than in the performing arts. Jiang Qing, Mao Zedong's widow, was strongly interested in the performing arts and exercised great influence over them. This book describes her influence and the effects its removal had on the arts. Although the period covered is mainly that since the death of Mao, there is also considerable reference to the years following the Cultural Revolution.

Contents

• Performing arts policy in the history of China: 38
• The traditional forms of the performing arts since 1976: 74
• Theatre in its modern forms: 107
• The cinema: 128
• Music in the performing arts: 154
• Bringing performances to fruition: 176
• Conclusion: 204
• Notes: 217

About the author

Colin Mackerras is a China specialist who has written widely on Chinese theatre, ethnic minorities, politics, Western images of China and Australia-China relations. He is a fellow of the Australian Academy of the Humanities, and was appointed an officer in the Order of Australia in 2007.

Bibliographic information

• Title: The Performing Arts in Contemporary China; Volume 18 of China : history, philosophy, economics
• Author: Colin MacKerras
• Edition: illustrated, reprint
• Publisher: Routledge, 2004
• ISBN: 0415361621, 9780415361620
• Length: 243 pages
• Subjects: History / Asia / China; Performing Arts / General