Xiangsheng and the Emergence of Guo Degang in Contemporary China

This book explores xiangsheng, a popular folk art performance genre in China, its enlistment by official propaganda after the founding of the PRC, and its revival under Guo Degang and his Deyun Club. It examines how Guo has resurrected the essence of xiangsheng, commercialized it, and deconstructed official discourse through grassroots means.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 146 pages
Publication date: 19 October 2021
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

This captivating book delves into the world of xiangsheng, a highly esteemed folk art performance genre in China. It explores the intriguing journey of this art form, from its enlistment by the official propaganda machine after the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC) to its resurgence in popularity under the visionary leadership of Guo Degang and his Deyun Club. Just as the 1950s witnessed a significant shift in the social function of xiangsheng, moving from mere entertainment to a political tool used to serve the party, Guo Degang has accomplished an extraordinary feat by redirecting its focus back to serving the people as a means of entertainment and social criticism. This comprehensive volume examines in depth how Guo has revitalized the essence of xiangsheng, successfully commercialized it within a market economy, and simultaneously challenged the official discourse through grassroots initiatives.

Xiangsheng, a captivating folk art performance genre, has a rich history in China. Its origins can be traced back centuries, evolving through various cultural and social contexts. During the 1950s, xiangsheng experienced a significant transformation as it became increasingly intertwined with the political landscape. It was embraced by the government as a means of promoting national unity and propaganda, with performances often featuring themes related to socialism and the Communist Party.

However, as time passed, the social function of xiangsheng began to shift once again. Guo Degang, a prominent figure in the art world, recognized the potential of xiangsheng to serve the people as a means of entertainment and social criticism. He founded the Deyun Club, a platform that aimed to revive the essence of xiangsheng and bring it back to its grassroots roots.

Guo's vision for xiangsheng was unique and groundbreaking. He recognized that the art form had become overly commercialized and disconnected from its original cultural roots. He sought to reconnect xiangsheng with its audience by focusing on the storytelling aspect and incorporating elements of social commentary into its performances.

Through the Deyun Club, Guo organized workshops and training programs that aimed to teach young performers the art of xiangsheng. He encouraged them to explore their own stories and experiences, and to use their performances as a means of expressing their thoughts and emotions. Guo also worked closely with local communities to promote xiangsheng, organizing performances and events that brought people together and celebrated the diversity of Chinese culture.

One of the key achievements of Guo's efforts was the successful commercialization of xiangsheng. He recognized the potential of the art form to reach a wider audience and developed strategies to promote it in a market economy. He created a range of products, including CDs, DVDs, and merchandise, that showcased the talent of xiangsheng performers and helped to generate revenue for the art form.

Guo's approach to deconstructing the official discourse through grassroots means was also noteworthy. He recognized that the government's control over the media and cultural institutions had limited the freedom of expression and creativity. He sought to challenge this control by using xiangsheng as a platform for social criticism and activism. Through his performances, Guo addressed issues such as poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation, using humor and storytelling to engage his audience and inspire change.

The revival of xiangsheng under Guo's leadership has had a significant impact on the cultural landscape of China. It has brought the art form back to the forefront of public attention and has inspired a new generation of performers to explore the rich traditions of xiangsheng. The Deyun Club has also become a hub for cultural exchange and collaboration, bringing together performers from different regions and backgrounds to share their skills and ideas.

In conclusion, this book explores the fascinating journey of xiangsheng, from its enlistment by the official propaganda machine to its revival under the visionary leadership of Guo Degang. It examines how Guo has revitalized the essence of xiangsheng, successfully commercialized it in a market economy, and simultaneously deconstructed the official discourse through grassroots means. The revival of xiangsheng has had a significant impact on the cultural landscape of China, bringing the art form back to the forefront of public attention and inspiring a new generation of performers to explore its rich traditions. Guo's efforts have demonstrated the power of art to challenge social norms, promote social change, and create a more inclusive and vibrant society.

Weight: 216g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811581182
Edition number: 1st ed. 2020