The Identified Legacy

Abstract

This paper delves into the heritage preservation of the folk-art culture of the Tianqiao area in Beijing, known for its vibrant traditional drama. It argues that stamping a culture as ‘heritage’ suggests that it’s extinct, since it overlooks the continuous evolution of this culture. The concept of ‘heritagization’ is explored to illustrate the challenges and rewards of cultural preservation, suggesting that while it is crucial to preserve key aspects of culture, simplified representation or distortion must be avoided. As society modernizes, traditional art forms like the Tianqiao folk culture evolve and their original audience diminishes. This paper discusses the complex dynamics of culture, privilege, class, and socio-economic forces in contemporary society, arguing against the commodification of culture. It stresses the need for a recalibration of efforts towards preserving cultural heritage, bearing in mind the rapid pace of urbanization and economic development.