China’s military cultural troupes traverse the globe, winning top awards for their odd, circus-like feats. But as Chinese president Xi Jinping reshuffles China’s military power structure these performance groups are among the first personnel to get the axe.
The troupes’ skill sets are by no means Olympic, but these performance groups still manage to take home international awards for accomplishments in plate spinning, trick cycling and juggling umbrellas with their feet.
Once a mouthpiece for state propaganda, the troupes were founded in the 1930s and originally meant to spread information to illiterate soldiers and peasants. However changing times have called into question the relevance of these cultural performers and their brand of propaganda; instead, online clips like this frightening military rap/recruitment video support President Jinping's increase in combat-focused military personnel over acrobats, singers, dancers and musicians.
After over 80 years, the People's Liberation Army’s cultural troupes seem to be on the chopping block.
The Wall Street Journal recently published this video which reflects on the role, legacy and future of such groups.
