Political education of “the public” overseas: The mission of PRC-Made opera films and opera troupes in colonial Hong Kong, 1950s

Research output: Contribution to conferencePapers

Abstract

During the Cold War era, Chinese opera film and live opera performance were used by the authorities of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as potent tools to persuade “the public” in colonial Hong Kong to accept the new regime as the legitimate successor to traditional Chinese culture. The PRC authorities sponsored various opera-related cultural activities, such as facilitating communications between opera stars and their fans, and sending state opera troupes to perform in Hong Kong. This paper studies the adaptability of the Chinese Communist Party’s political propaganda agendas designed for “the public” living in commercial societies under anti-communist regimes. It argues that by delivering political messages subtly justified as the common voices of the masses (“public opinion”), the PRC authorities skillfully mediated between socialism and traditional Chinese culture through activities, speeches, and writings rich in historical and cultural references.
Original languageEnglish
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2013
EventThe Eighth International Convention of Asia Scholars (ICAS 8) - The Venetian Macao, Macau, China
Duration: 24 Jun 201327 Jun 2013

Conference

ConferenceThe Eighth International Convention of Asia Scholars (ICAS 8)
Abbreviated titleICAS 8
Country/TerritoryChina
CityMacau
Period24/06/1327/06/13

Citation

Hui, K. W. (2013, June). Political education of “the public” overseas: The mission of PRC-Made opera films and opera troupes in colonial Hong Kong, 1950s. Paper presented at the Eighth International Convention of Asia Scholars, Macao, China.

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