The Korean public opinion and local media are in an uproar over authorities' decision to cancel the highly acclaimed NTDTV's Chinese New Year Spectacular world tour, with pressure from Beijing cited as the reason for the last-minute cancellation.
South Korean media reports suggest that the performing arts have become a tool used by Beijing to further exert pressure on democratic countries. However, the Spectacular is the largest performing arts production of Chinese culture not under the control of ruling Communist Party of China (CCP) censorship.
An editorial in the Chosunilbo daily stated, "Any act of Chinese meddling in Korean internal affairs, such as telling us who can perform here or not, would not be possible if our Government stood firmly by the principles of fair bilateral relations…"
"Why an independent Government would volunteer to perform each and every one of China's biddings is unfathomable," continued the editorial.
Another article from the Kyung Hyang Daily News appealed to the South Korean Government to "strictly examine the cancellation process of the NTDTV show, not just using the slogan of 'independent diplomacy' but to thoroughly self-examine the diplomacy with the CCP".
The sudden cancellation of the Spectacular has angered many Koreans, who resent totalitarian tactics. The neighbouring North Korea has kept Seoul on edge, with its nuclear ambitions and crumbling economy.
Last-Minute Cancellation
The cancellation came just three days before the show was due to commence in the capital Seoul. The organisers, anticipating an audience of over 2500, said the termination of the contract by the theatre was outrageous.
"The National Theatre of Korea, pressured by the Chinese Embassy in Seoul, unilaterally cancelled the contract," wrote the US-based New Tang Dynasty Television (NTDTV), the producer of the performance, in a statement posted on its website.
More than 70 performers were due to arrive in Seoul from New York, as part of the Spectacular first global tour which will visit 28 countries in the next three months, including Australia.
Asked why the Chinese regime would target NTDTV and its Spectacular , NTDTV's Senior Vice-President Samuel Zhou said, "We bring uncensored information about China to a world audience, including by satellite to China. This is something the Party finds intimidating." According to Zhong Lee, President of NTDTV in New York, the purpose of the Spectacular show is to "facilitate a renaissance of traditional Chinese culture, its art forms, its folklore", and "to reverse, in art, the tragic loss of traditional culture in China experienced over the past several decades of Communist rule".
Not the First Time
However, this is not the first time that Beijing has overstepped its diplomatic boundaries. In 2006 the Dalai Lama, the leader of Tibetan Buddhism, was rejected from entering the country to attend a global religious leaders' conference and a summit of Nobel laureates.
Similar intimidation tactics were used in 1982, when Australia invited the Dalai Lama – a visit that prompted China to threaten the Australian Government with economic sanctions. But the threats proved empty, the Dalai Lama arrived in Sydney, while no further action followed from Beijing.
Last year the Chinese Embassy pressured Australian Ballet dancers to pull out of NTDTV's local Chinese New Year theatre production, threatening to bar their visa applications for the troupe's China tour.
Such intimidation may play into the hands of critics who view Beijing's slow movement towards democracy and poor human rights record as a sign of its inadequacy to host the 2008 Olympic Games.
World Acclaim
Despite the Korean hiccup the Spectacular 2007 tour has continued in full swing. Performances throughout Canada and parts of the US have attracted high acclaim from audiences and professionals.
"The organisers, NTDTV, must be commended for their efforts in bringing this wonderful display of traditional Chinese culture to audiences in Canada," said Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper in a statement published on the NTDTV website.
Among other dignitaries sending their greetings were Hollywood stars Clint Eastwood and Richard Gere.
"This is not only entertainment, but a valuable cross-cultural event: a strong, gracious gesture toward international understanding," said Donn Murphy, the president of the National Theatre in Washington DC.
The Chinese New Year Spectacular , which is scheduled to tour Australia in March, is an annual global gala first produced in New York in 2004. It is noted for its vibrant costumes and traditional dances rooted in ancient Chinese culture.
For more information see www.gala.ntdtv.com
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