Seminar Series: Abstract

Falun Gong: the Extravaganza – Song and Dance and Counter Representation
Benjamin Penny - PAH

Several years ago Falun Gong launched a series of song and dance performances that have toured the world, including Canberra, under such titles as "Chinese New Year Spectacular", "Divine Performing Arts" and "Shen Yun Performing Arts". Modelled on standard Chinese shows of the same variety in particular, I argue, the Spring Festival Gala that features on Chinese TV every New Year, these performances form part of an attempt by Falun Gong to represent itself as the custodians of "traditional Chinese culture". Along with other elements in their propaganda war with the Peoples Republic, these performances can be understood as an attempt at representing what it means to be Chinese that counters the prevailing models emanating from their persecutors, the Chinese government