In Tianjin, a city hailed as the "Hometown of Quyi" (Chinese folk performing arts), crosstalk is not merely a stage art but a flavor of life deeply woven into the fabric of everyday society and people's hearts.
Tianjin locals have an innate love for crosstalk. Old people in every alley and street can rattle off a few lines, as if they carry the "genes" of crosstalk in their bones. Born and raised in this city, Guo Jie studied under the renowned crosstalk artist Yang Yi and has devoted over two decades to the crosstalk profession. Today, he is not only a crosstalk performer in Tianjin but also the operator of a quyi theater, committed to keeping this ancient art form alive and vibrant, allowing it to shine with new brilliance in modern society.
Staying true while innovating
"Running this theater is about keeping the art flourishing and letting more people see its charm." Guo understands well that the lifeblood of crosstalk lies in inheritance, and his original aspiration is to build a platform where this cultural legacy can be passed on. In his theater, traditional crosstalk naturally takes center stage, but the performances are also richly diverse: the crisp clack of bamboo clappers for kuaiban (rhythmic storytelling) rings out, and traditional magic acts are sometimes performed as well.
Guo explained that these diverse attempts are meant to give the audience a fresh feeling. Interjecting a mesmerizing magic act into the humorous dialogues of crosstalk cleverly adjusts the atmosphere. He believes that Chinese magic, as an intangible cultural heritage, is part of traditional quyi. Its presence enriches the performance format, reflects the inclusiveness of the quyi ecosystem, and offers more possibilities for the survival and development of the broader performing arts environment.
Partner like spouse, Life as source
On the stage, Guo primarily takes on the role of the "straight man" (penggen, the supporting comedian). He likened his relationship with his partner to that of a "married couple," jokingly saying they spend even more time together than with their spouses. Day after day of rehearsals, performances, and reflections have honed an extraordinary rapport — "With just a glance, we know if the other needs to use the restroom or wants to eat." This unspoken understanding is an indispensable cornerstone of successful crosstalk.
Where does the inspiration for crosstalk come from? Guo believes that crosstalk creation cannot be separated from the fertile ground of life, yet it must also rise above life. In his view, every detail and every ordinary person in daily life can yield comedic elements full of dramatic tension. Quoting his master's teachings, he elaborates on the essence of crosstalk artistry: "Crosstalk doesn't need loud shouting; the calmer and more level the narration, the more intently the audience will listen." He emphasizes that the charm of crosstalk lies in the language itself, not in cheap gimmicks or clownish antics. At the same time, he readily draws inspiration from fan suggestions, "pooling wisdom" to enrich his material, but always holds fast to the principle that "traditional routines (baofu, comic setups) must never be abandoned." Because "everything new is born around the old" — the classics will never go out of style.
The return of young audiences
What particularly delights Guo is the growing number of young people who are coming to love crosstalk and frequenting his theater. He recalled that in the past, very few people would pay to hear crosstalk. Now, seeing the house packed with enthusiastic young faces deeply encourages and moves him. This recognition is the greatest support for quyi.
What exactly is the charm of crosstalk? Guo summed up his understanding in three phrases: "Classic inheritance, enjoyable for all ages, and a delight for both men and women." As for his original intention in running this theater, it is simply to create a place where crosstalk enthusiasts, both performers who love to perform and audiences who love to listen, can come and feel as if they are home, with a space to be themselves.
"So I hope everyone will come and show their support; that's the true reason I run this theater," Guo says with heartfelt sincerity.
(Reporters: Rachel, Ella Qu; Filming: Bernhard, Rachel; Editing: Bernhard; English Editor: Darius)
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