Xiangsheng is a form of Chinese folk comedic performing art, with four main skills: speaking, imitating, bantering, and singing. Based on the performance style, it can be divided into solo crosstalk, duo crosstalk, and group crosstalk. The three main origins of xiangsheng in China are Tianqiao in Beijing, Quanyechang in Tianjin, and Fuzimiao in Nanjing. Rooted in folk traditions of northern China and popular in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region before spreading nationwide and overseas, xiangsheng originated in the Ming and Qing dynasties, flourishing in modern times. Primarily an oral performance art deeply rooted in the masses and daily life, it is a beloved comedic performance form.
I. Historical Origins
To trace the origins of xiangsheng, we must look at it from two perspectives. If viewed from the standpoint of using language to achieve comedic effects or "xiexue" (wordplay/puns), it can be traced back to the Eastern Han Dynasty, when a performance style was described by later scholars as "similar to modern xiangsheng." However, as a distinct art form, xiangsheng does not have a very long history. Based on reliable sources, it emerged as an independent variety act around the Daoguang to Tongzhi reign of the Qing Dynasty, approximately 1821-1874 AD.
II. The Origins of Xiangsheng
The term "xiangsheng" originally referred to mimicry performances using oral techniques. It was recorded as "xiangsheng" (imitating life) in the Song Dynasty, "gebaixì" (next-door theater) in the Ming Dynasty, and "xiangsheng" or "xiangsheng" in the Qing Dynasty - all referring to the same evolving art form. For xiangsheng's main artistic techniques of "speaking, imitating, bantering, and singing," this oral performance style merely provided an inherited name.
The more direct origins lie in folk storytelling performances and the Manchu "bajiaogudechàng" (octagonal drum singing) style, which merged into the interplay between solo and duo acts - the nascent form of xiangsheng.
III. Performance Styles
1. Solo Acts
Solo acts, also called "single mouths," "single springs," or "single jokes," are a xiangsheng performance form contrasted with duo and group acts. A single xiangsheng performer presents to the audience alone.
2. Duo Crosstalk
"One Lead" is a duo crosstalk style where two performers take the stage. One is the "disruanxian" (jester) and the other is the "pengxian" (straight man). Due to their different character roles, their responsibilities are not equal - one is the main narrator while the other provides supplementary dialogue.
3. Group Acts
With a minimum of three performers and no upper limit, group xiangsheng acts have one "disruanxian" (jester), one "pengxian" (straight man), and one "nifeng" (comic assistant). The jester is the central figure, with the straight man and comic assistant supporting and facilitating the performance.
