Collection of fine xiangsheng performances by Liu Baorui

Author: Wang Zhangwen
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-11-01
Features: Liu Baorui devoted his entire life to xiangsheng (Chinese crosstalk) creation and performance, preserving a collection of outstanding solo, duet, and group xiangsheng programs for us. This is a valuable spiritual treasure. His noble artistic cultivation and high achievements have won praise from the broad masses of the people. He participated in many important performance activities and received warm visits and encouragement from leaders of the Party and the state, including Chairman Mao and Premier Zhou. Xiangsheng, a "popular art" originating from the Beijing area, has developed for over a hundred years. Its artistic elements can be traced back to the Feiyou (comic performers) of the Zhou and Qin dynasties, but the formation of the art form that combines "telling, imitating, teasing, and singing" was created by modern artists. Its performance, which primarily uses "telling" as its expressive function and "" (a comedic technique) as its main artistic tool, directly captures the audience. Its enduring vitality stems from its deep roots in the lives of the masses, reflecting their living conditions, joys, sorrows, hopes, and aspirations. This provides a solid foundation for performances to engage the audience. When we watch the masterpieces of renowned performers, we can deeply feel this. It is precisely because of the close connection between xiangsheng art and the masses that xiangsheng performers, through direct audience feedback, continuously refine and polish works that the audience loves, making them timeless classics. These works form the foundation for the continuation and preservation of xiangsheng art's aesthetic characteristics. Today, these works not only continue to bring joy to the audience but also nourish the long river of xiangsheng art's continuous development. Only by valuing the fine tradition can innovation become richer and more vibrant. In my opinion, for xiangsheng art to achieve new development and maintain its popularity, the following three aspects in creation are crucial. First, we must value the inheritance and reference of the valuable legacy of xiangsheng art, insisting on performing excellent traditional programs. An outstanding performer should be able to perform over a hundred traditional segments, which should not be considered too high a demand. Second, we should continue to explore, organize, and adapt traditional segments that are both excellent and flawed, as the saying goes, "each selection brings newness." Retain the essence of their performance and give them positive ideological significance. Third, we should encourage the creation of xiangsheng works that reflect contemporary life, broaden the themes, and avoid being overly frivolous or slick. The works of Ma Ji, Jiang Kun, and Yang Zhenhua are some successful examples. Today's vast social development and the rich diversity of social life provide an inexhaustible supply of vivid material for xiangsheng art to fully showcase its essence of humor and satire.