Book

Mao's cultural army : drama troupes in China's rural revolution

DeMare, Brian James, author

Overview

\"Charting their training, travels, and performances, this innovative study explores the role of the artists that roamed the Chinese countryside in support of Mao's communist revolution. DeMare traces the development of Mao's 'cultural army' from its genesis in Red Army propaganda teams to its full development as a largely civilian force composed of amateur and professional drama troupes in the early years of the PRC. Drawing from memoirs, artistic handbooks, and rare archival sources, Mao's Cultural Army uncovers the arduous and complex process of creating revolutionary dramas that would appeal to China's all-important rural audiences. The Communists strived for a disciplined cultural army to promote party policies, but audiences often shunned modern and didactic shows, and instead clamoured for traditional works. DeMare illustrates how drama troupes, caught between the party and their audiences, did their best to resist the ever growing reach of the PRC state\"-- Provided by publisher.

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Subject: Theater China History 20th century. / Amateur theater China History 20th century. / Theater Political aspects China History 20th century. / Theater and society China.
• ISBN: 9781107076327, 1107076323

Item info:

1 item available

1 item total in all locations

Holdings :

Call Number	Copies	Material	Location
PN2874.D47 2015	1	BOOK	AUTOSTORE