Liu Baorui's Masterpieces of Xiangsheng (Series of Masterpieces by Xiangsheng Artists)

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 artistic 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 "folk art" originating from the Beijing area, has developed for over a hundred years. Its artistic elements can be traced back to the entertainment performers of the Zhou and Qin dynasties, but the formation of its art form, which combines storytelling, mimicry, humor, and singing, was created by modern artists. Its performance, which primarily uses storytelling as its expressive function and "punchlines" as its main artistic technique, is a direct way to capture the audience. The reason it has such a vibrant vitality lies in 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 famous 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 are the foundation for the continuation and development of xiangsheng art while maintaining its 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 remain beloved by the audience during this development, the following three aspects are important in terms of creation. First, it is essential to inherit and learn from 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 is not an overly high requirement. Second, continue to explore, organize, and adapt traditional segments that are both excellent and flawed, as the saying goes, "each selection brings newness." Preserve the essence of their performance and give them positive ideological significance. Third, encourage the creation of xiangsheng works that reflect contemporary life. Broaden the themes and take a wider approach, avoiding petty talk and slickness. Some works by Ma Ji, Jiang Kun, and Yang Zhenhua serve as 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.