The Evolution of Chinese Talk Show

Have you ever seen this instrument that this guy is holding in his hands?

Traditional Chinese talk show has two forms, bamboo clappers story-telling, and cross talk.

Bamboo clappers story-telling is a type of performing art that incorporate the percussion known as the bamboo clappers (which may be three pieces or seven pieces). The stories that are told through this technique are usually tales that intend to entertain or educate. The artists are supposed incorporate to the four basic techniques known as 說 (talk) 學 (imitate) 逗 (entertain) 唱 (sing) to their show to achieve the best possible performance. I think the most special element of bamboo clappers story-telling is while handling the bamboo clappers, using the four basic techniques, a performer is also supposed to speak at his maximum speed while still make his words clear for the others. I think an equivalent of this in the U.S. would be a rap.

Cross Talk is the other type of traditional Chinese talk show that I would like to include in my exhibit. It is a popular form of performing art in China and Taiwan. It is commonly seen in celebration and festivals, especially for Chinese New Year. I think the equivalent of a cross talk in the U.S. would be a stand-up comedy. However, a typical cross talk is composed of two characters, which could be play by one-man with two voices, or two or more people. Scripts for cross talk generally reflects the latest hot topic in the world, and incorporating satires to make a point that intends to entertain the audience. The jokes and relevance of the stories keep audiences to come back to watch the show every year, or how ever often a cross talk crew holds its events.

I was surprised that not a lot of people in the U.S. know about the beauty of this traditional Chinese performing art, because it is kind of a big deal in China and Taiwan. That is what inspired me to plan for a museum that serves to introduce Chinese talk show to the people in the U.S. The purpose of the museum will not only raise awareness of the beauty of traditional Chinese culture, but also it should spark interest for American artists to consider adapting or including cross talk comedy into their own performance routine. By introducing people in America about the traditional Chinese talk show, people will have a better understanding of the Chinese culture from a different perspective other than from plain history. In addition to history, this museum will teach people how to conduct a Chinese talk show in efforts to blend the American and Chinese performing culture. I believe by teaching the people how to perform Chinese talk show will help create closer relationship bonds between different ethnic groups because of partnerships and better understanding of the culture.