Mao revolution killing Arts - Mao's revolution executing art

[sabre]

During the Communist Revolution of China they excecuted Artists, basically squashed the arts and even banned opera and many types of theater. Is this true?
If so thats terrible.

[Jurhael]

That's what the "Culteral Revolution" was. I don't think they went as far as executing artists though.

Yes, it IS terrible.

[MJM]

Just reading about it in a biography of Mao.
It's not quite that bad from what I read so far.
I think he sent the artists etc. into the factories to 'culture' the workers and vice versa. Also there was some kind of power struggle going on I believe.I'm half way through it so I'll post if more later.

Also reading Maoism in action.The cultural revolution.
Gimme a week or so I'll be an expert ;-)

[Dreadnaht1]

I could see destroying art work and plays, etc. but actually slaughtering artists doesn't exactly float my boat or seem very revolution-like. I would only think the killing of former dictator supporters (ie Batista supporters in Cuba) could really be justified in a revolution.

-Dread

[MJM]

I don't think he actual killed the artists, he exiled the desenting artists an intellectuals who wrote subversive plays etc.
They were writing them in such a ways as to portray mao and maoism as being bad.
He also claimed the stories were encouraging non revolutionary activities.ie the main characters were to accept their lot as mere peasants rather than revolt and create a communist society.