Xiangsheng, also known as crosstalk, is a traditional Chinese performing art form that primarily involves telling jokes and engaging in humorous dialogues. It typically features one or more performers who use skills such as speaking, imitating, teasing, and singing to entertain the audience with witty and humorous language, evoking laughter and resonance.
The main forms of xiangsheng performances include:
- Single-person Xiangsheng: Performed by a single actor who entertains the audience by telling stories or jokes.
- Double-act Xiangsheng: Performed by two actors, where one plays the role of the "straight man" (the supportive or serious character) and the other the "comedian" (the humorous character), creating humor through their dialogue.
- Group Xiangsheng: Involves three or more actors, who work together to create humor through their interactions and conversations.
The content of xiangsheng often draws from everyday life, addressing social phenomena, traditional culture, and interpersonal relationships. Through exaggeration, satire, and imitation, xiangsheng reflects observations and thoughts on life while bringing joy to the audience.
With a long history, xiangsheng originated in the late Qing Dynasty and has since evolved into a popular comedic form across China and other Chinese-speaking regions.
