Crosstalk, a traditional form of comic storytelling, is making a comeback in China's teahouses and
theaters.
     Audiences can laugh the night away every Saturday at the Qianxiangyi Teahouse in Tianjin,
entertained by the apprentices (学徒) of Hou Baolin, Ma Sanli or Yin Shoushan -- all leading crosstalk
artists of years past -for only 20 yuan (US$2.40). The success in Tianjin has also given motivation to the
rejuvenation (复活) of crosstalk in Beijing and other places.
     Although the art form originated in Beijing in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), Tianjin became a place
where rising stars developed their styles and new pieces were tried out. The city was famous for the
quality of its crosstalk performances.
     "We only want to bring the traditional pieces back to the audiences, helping them to learn their charms
and definitions," said Yin Xiaosheng, head of the Zhongyou Arts Troupe.
     Known in Chinese as xiangsheng (literally, "face and voice"), crosstalk was the main form of comedy
throughout most of the 20th century. In the old days in Tianjin and elsewhere, temple fairs and markets
were the main places for crosstalkers to perform, although they occasionally also appeared in teahouses
or theaters.
     Usually crosstalk pieces draw on every aspect of Chinese culture, from history and folk tales to
contemporary social issues. Although there are hundreds of pieces in the traditional works, they are
constantly rewritten to suit the times and the audience, while new works are written as well. This is one
of the features that have made crosstalk a populist(平民化) art form throughout its history.
     "Crosstalk was in the doldrums with competition from other art forms, especially TV," said Wang
Xiaochun, headmaster of the Northern Storytelling Arts School of China (NSAS). "But it has regained
its status with crosstalk fans, especially young people, growing aware of its rare qualities." The
reawakening of interest in the traditional art is going beyond merely watching and listening for many.
"More and more students are coming to NSAS to study crosstalk, including some girl students," said
Wang, "They are sure that crosstalk will have a strong market."