Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. This book discusses the fragility of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) from a new angle the evolution of Chinese opera. Tradition and Modern Opera Production provides an historical background to the book. Art Institution Management in Post-Mao China highlights the contradiction between the encouragement of the artist-led opera house marketization and the monopolized capital forms and opera market by the opera house. Using Bourdieus concept of cultural reproduction through education and the awards system, the book suggests that the cultural policy is aimed at legitimatizing current party-state rule. It suggests that yuejus prominence, by way of promoting youth and femininity, is a reaction to deeply embedded gendered repression in the post-Mao society. The book examines the top-down economic censorship placed by the CCP and also a bottom-up connection of the audience, through new media.