A new set of regulations will be launched in September to
regulate the performance industry, including penalties for
officials who use public funds to stage expensive performances,
Wang Yongqing, deputy-director of the Legislative Affairs Office of
the State Council, told Xinhua on Wednesday.
The new set of regulations is a revised version of the
Regulations Governing Commercial Art Performances issued eight
years ago, Wang said.
In July 2004, officials in Wanyuan City of west China's Sichuan
Province were reportedly using public funds totaling 728,300 yuan
(around US$ 88,065) to purchase performance tickets. "Such abuses
are more common now as many local officials think they can achieve
overnight prosperity with the help of artistic performances," Wang
said.
Some insiders said a typically grand performance could cost tens
of millions of yuan, making excellent media fodder. Officials and
stars are photographed shaking hands, and the media allege that the
performances are merely "to satisfy the official's 'star-gazing'
desires."
According to Wang, Lin Lang, the top official in Wanyuan was
punished recently after the real cost of a performance Lin
organized was exposed to the public.
The revised regulations provide that governments at all levels
are forbidden to sponsor or financially support any performance for
profit, or to use public funds to purchase tickets.
To strengthen supervision over the performing arts market, the
regulations also encourage local governments to invite volunteer
supervisors, to set up informant hotlines, and to offer rewards to
people willing to carry out surveillance work.
The regulations also cover cheating including lip synching,
benefiting from charity performances, and other illegal
performances.
"The performer or performing troupes who lip synch when they
claim to be singing 'live' will have their licenses withdrawn, Wang
said.
In addition, the regulations state that no company or individual
is allowed to stage performances which run counter to the basic
principles of China's Constitution, jeopardize national unity and
security, sovereignty and territorial integrity or infringe upon
national interests.
The regulations also state performances are not to stir up
hatred or discrimination among the different ethic groups, encroach
upon the customs and habits of ethnic minorities or hurt their
feelings. Any performance involving pornography, cult activity,
superstition or violence will also be banned.
(Xinhua News Agency July 28, 2005)