Woman with a funny bone
Traditionalists often mourn how ancient Chinese art forms are under threat. But young comedians - hip 20-somethings - are giving the art of crosstalk, or xiangsheng, a modern edge in Beijing. One of the leading performers is Jia Ling, a young lady who is making a name for her troupe by presenting comedy combined with storytelling marked by intimate takes on life.
The Xicheng District Cultural Center is where much of this comedic revival is being staged. At a recent show, one half of the double act asks: "I am so happy because tomorrow is our one-year marriage anniversary. What is your plan?" The answer: "People say marriage is the tomb of love. So let's sweep the grave at home." The audience lapped it up, along with the gags about how marriage is being tested today. Also popular are jokes about the popular pin ke culture, referring to many young strangers who meet on the Internet to share apartments, rides and even dinners to save money and socialize with new people.
"What we talk about reflects what our generation thinks. It's very realistic and that's what they like," says Jia Ling, 27, the founder of Xin Xiao Sheng Ke Zhan (New Laugh Inn), a 12-member xiangsheng troupe which has been drawing the laughs since July 18 this year.
