Suchergebnisse

Investigates the survival of various forms of traditional, "prenational" performing arts in the postcolonial societies of Southeast Asia, focusing on the influence of national government cultural policy & structures. Arguing against the view that traditional forms of culture have primarily been redefined & commodified by outside forces, it is suggested that the state has played quite an active role in local culture. It is shown that, once free of colonial rule, the governments of Southeast Asia were quick to establish administrative structures either strictly for culture or to place culture as part of a "portfolio" within specific government ministries. The relationship between government policies, structures, & funding for the performing arts across different countries is shown to be quite similar; regional variations in the pairing of culture with education, information, or tourism are identified & related to differences in funding & development priorities. The contemporary relationship between government & culture is described as "symbiotic," with each helping shape & being shaped by the other; it can also be seen as an inherited form of patronage, with state cultural agencies bestowing funds for artistic projects. The government's position toward performers & the role of subsidy in the maintenance of traditional forms of performing arts are reviewed, along with the perpetuation of the highly structured role of the audience in these performances. 19 References. K. Hyatt Stewart

Investigates the survival of various forms of traditional, "prenational" performing arts in the postcolonial societies of Southeast Asia, focusing on the influence of national government cultural policy & structures. Arguing against the view that traditional forms of culture have primarily been redefined & commodified by outside forces, it is suggested that the state has played quite an active role in local culture. It is shown that, once free of colonial rule, the governments of Southeast Asia were quick to establish administrative structures either strictly for culture or to place culture as part of a "portfolio" within specific government ministries. The relationship between government policies, structures, & funding for the performing arts across different countries is shown to be quite similar; regional variations in the pairing of culture with education, information, or tourism are identified & related to differences in funding & development priorities. The contemporary relationship between government & culture is described as "symbiotic," with each helping shape & being shaped by the other; it can also be seen as an inherited form of patronage, with state cultural agencies bestowing funds for artistic projects. The government's position toward performers & the role of subsidy in the maintenance of traditional forms of performing arts are reviewed, along with the perpetuation of the highly structured role of the audience in these performances. 19 References. K. Hyatt Stewart