A renowned Peking Opera artist has recently proposed a necessary curb on debasing content in pop TV reality shows around the country.

Mei Baojiu, the youngest son and successor of late Peking Opera master Mei Lanfang who had been known for his outstanding portrayal of female roles in Peking Opera, made the call prior to the upcoming Fifth Session of the Tenth National Committee of the country's top advisory body, the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Saturday.

A CPPCC member, Mei Baojiu expects to table a relevant proposal at the CPPCC session against such slapstick trend that currently dominates TV reality shows nationwide. Beijing Times quotes Mei Baojiu's spokesman as saying the artist's proposal will be on behalf of a group of highbrow actors and actresses.

According to the artist's spokesman, the artist's criticism came in light of his name being deformed after someone mimicked him in the Star Boulevard TV talent competition at China Central Television.

An amateur performer Li Yugang, who mimicked Mei Baojiu's performance in classic Peking Opera Drunken Beauty turned to be the third prize winner of the CCTV reality show last year. The act was an immediate hit and Li Yugang gained nationwide fame.

But Mei Baojiu criticized such copycat performance as distorting the real art of Peking Opera. Mei's spokesman adds that it takes profound art for men to perform female roles in Peking Opera and it can't be achieved just by wearing a bra and wriggling one's hips. He said the mimicking misinterpreted and vulgarized China's Peking Opera.

The Peking Opera artist is not the first to call for a curb on such debasing reality TV shows. Last year, former Minister of Culture Liu Zhongde accused the reality TV pop show "Super Girl" of poisoning youngsters' visions and minds by allowing them to believe instant fame was an achievable goal. He also scolded the broadcasting authorities for neglecting their duties.

Pressured with mounting criticism, the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television this week announced it will impose a time limit on such reality show pop competitions. They will not be allowed to air for more than two and a half months, almost two months less than before. In response to this decision, CCTV Channel 2's pop reality contest "Dream China" has accordingly cancelled its expected show for this year.

(CRIENGLISH.com March 2, 2007)