Chinese performers cry foul

Calgary Herald; Canwest News Service

CALGARY - A Chinese performing arts group is demanding the federal government expel the Chinese consul general in Calgary, claiming Wu Xinjian caused local tourism agencies to withdraw support for its production.

New Tang Dynasty TV Canada -- local producers of the Divine Performing Arts Chinese Spectacular -- says the Chinese Consulate warned Travel Alberta and Tourism Calgary against sponsoring the show, because it depicts China's persecution of followers of the spiritual movement Falun Gong.

The production, now playing in Calgary, comes to Edmonton's Jubilee Auditorium May 5-7.

"(The Chinese government) doesn't like people learning about Falun Gong and they don't like positive portrayals of Falun Gong," said Caylan Ford, a spokeswoman for New Tang Dynasty Television (NTDTV), a non-profit Chinese language station affiliated with the New York-based dance troupe.

Ford said Travel Alberta had offered to help arrange for the group to travel to Banff, while Tourism Calgary was to co-host the show. But after coming under pressure from Consul General Wu Xinjian, both organizations rescinded their support, says Ford -- a claim both organizations deny.

© The Edmonton Journal 2008