Reuters reported today that performance art in China has been placed under strict regulation by the nation's Ministry of Culture. The Chinese government has banned all foreign theatre groups from performing in the country, and the China Daily newspaper reported that the government has forbidden what it considers to be "vulgar, superstitious, and pornographic theatrical performances," or shows that threaten national security or undermine attempts to maintain social stability. The restrictions on performance art have also been broadened to include rock music and avant-garde theatre.
Officials of the Ministry of Culture have also called for more plays that promote socialism and told the China Daily that the state will prohibit performances which "encourage separatist tendencies and blaspheme the customs of minority groups."
--By Jackie Mastropolo
