Stepping into the world of Chinese comedy. We are standing before Deyunshe. Formally Beijing Deyunshe Culture Communication Company Ltd. Deyunshe is a xiangsheng organization. It is a folk art performance group. It is based right here in Beijing. Comedians Zhang Wenshun, Guo Degang, and Li Jing established it in 1995.
Deyunshe was originally known as the Beijing Conversation Conference. In 2003, it changed its name. Deyunshe became the key to letting cross-talk back into the theatre.
Let’s talk about that cross-talk. The performance style of Deyunshe is xiangsheng. Xiangsheng is meant to stimulate others. During the Qing Xianfeng and Tongzhi eras, it was standardized with rhyming techniques.
In the 1990s, xiangsheng lost popularity. Many comic actors sought opportunities in the film industry. Performing Xiangsheng was not profitable. It was laborious and unrewarding. TV shows restricted content. Performers lacked skills and observations about real life. Cross-talk became monotonous.
Guo Degang believed cross-talk needed to return to the theatre. Folk art requires interaction with a live audience. Guo organized the Beijing Conversation Conference. Old artists supported him. He also rediscovered over 600 lost literary programs. Deyunshe presented uncensored performances. They approached real life and satirized sensitive topics.
From small clubs to larger theaters, Deyunshe grew. Guo Degang, Zhang Wenshun, Li Jing, and Yu Qian worked hard. They cultivated young talent. These included He Yunwei, Cao Yunjin, and Yue Yunpeng. Guo Degang’s dedication revitalized comic art. Deyunshe invested in comic TV series and movies. Actors from Deyunshe played the main roles. In 2013, Deyunshe established a branch in Melbourne. This was the first overseas branch of a Chinese cross-talk society.
In 2010, Deyunshe faced a major crisis. Guo Degang’s disciples were involved in an incident with a reporter. Deyunshe suspended performances for internal investigation. Many Xiangsheng actors opposed Deyunshe’s market share. They felt Deyunshe’s success hurt their own performances. Some media outlets even banned Deyunshe. Internal management problems also surfaced. Four capable actors left.
Deyunshe addressed these problems. They changed performance content to be more meaningful. They dealt with scandals publicly. Deyunshe also established a modern enterprise management system. They shifted from a mentoring relationship to labor contracts.
Deyunshe reopened on September 12. Guo Degang led all members at the Beijing Deyunshe Theater. Deyunshe has operated for over 20 years. Its development provides experience for commercial cross-talk groups.
Deyunshe has several theaters. The Beijing Deyunshe Theater is in Tianqiao. This is the birthplace of Beijing-style folk art. It was built from the Tianle Theatre. The Tianqiao Theater can accommodate 300 spectators. Deyunshe performs traditional art, comics, and drums there.
Deyunshe’s works address sensitive social issues. These include competition in the job market and intellectual property. “Wo Shi Hei She Hui” reflects gang violence and crime. “Wo Yao Nao Fei Wen” addresses piracy. “Wo Yao Shang Chun Wan” exposes employment issues.
Key members of Deyunshe include Guo Degang, Yu Qian, and Yue Yunpeng. Guo Degang studied storytelling and began learning Xiangsheng in 1981. Yu Qian became Guo Degang’s partner in 2000. Yue Yunpeng became Guo Degang’s student in 2004.
Deyunshe stands as a testament to the enduring appeal. It highlights the power of traditional Chinese comedy. It continues to evolve and entertain audiences worldwide.