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Pioneering women

Despite these challenges, female crosstalk performers continue to break through the glass ceiling, gaining recognition and respect.

One of the most famous female crosstalk artists, Zhang Wenxia (1934-2018), made her name in Tianjin, a city known for its crosstalk fan base. Her student, Liu Chunhui, now 60, continues to inspire future generations.

Other notable figures include Jia Ling, a successful actress and director whose films Hi, Mom and Yolo topped the box office in China, and Zhao Yunyi, 28, the only female performer in De Yun She, who has gained widespread popularity on social media.

"They are not just female performers. They were pioneers — proving that the world of crosstalk could be as diverse and as dynamic as the women who dared to stand at its center," said crosstalk artist Gao Xiaopan, founder and owner of Hip-hop Crosstalk Club, a company based in Beijing that has been performing crosstalk since 2008.

"The best performers, regardless of gender, inject their own personality and creativity into their performances. They find new ways to approach traditional jokes, adapt their material for modern audiences, and experiment with different comedic styles and rhythms," he said.

This summer, Gao led a group of female crosstalk performers on a nationwide tour visiting cities including Beijing, Shenyang, Liaoning province and Handan, Hebei province. The shows highlight female crosstalk performers and have won acclaim from audiences.

"Given the prejudice and limited opportunities, many female crosstalk performers had to work significantly harder than their male counterparts to gain a spot on stage. They needed to prove their comedic chops, their ability to master the complexities of the art form, and their ability to command attention in a male-dominated industry," said Gao, 39.

"The dedication required to overcome these barriers makes their performances even more impactful, as they show audiences that comedy — especially crosstalk — is an art that transcends gender."

Shared dreams

Shi Yun's introduction to crosstalk was almost accidental.

After undergoing eye surgery, she was unable to use her phone for a month. To pass the time, her mother suggested she try listening to something with her eyes closed, and Shi was introduced to De Yun She, one of China's most famous crosstalk troupes.

Born in Hubei province, Shi had little to no exposure to the art form, which is popular in northern China. But as she listened to the energetic performances she was instantly hooked.

"It was so interesting. It made me laugh," she recalled.

"I had never really thought about crosstalk before. But after that, I couldn't stop listening. I was captivated by how effortlessly the performers could make a room laugh just with their words, their timing, and the energy between them."

Once her eye healed, she began attending live performances, Shi soon became a familiar face at shows and even earned a membership card that allowed her to attend for free.

Her involvement deepened when the organizers invited her to host a show, allowing her to interact more closely with the performers and the audience. It wasn't long before Shi began learning the craft, and she decided to take a year or more off to focus on her love of crosstalk.

Her passion for the art form grew as she dedicated herself to studying recordings, practicing relentlessly, and using methods from her student years, like repetition, to perfect her craft.

"I would listen to performances over and over again," she said. "It was like studying for a test. The more I listened, the more I understood. The nuances of timing, the pace, the pauses — everything clicked together like pieces of a puzzle."

As time passed, her performances gained recognition and positive feedback from audiences. The contrast between her former life and her new one made her feel both liberated and apprehensive about the future.

Shi now regularly performs in a crosstalk troupe based in Hangzhou. She also tours nationwide, performing at venues across the country. Each show presents her with new challenges and opportunities for growth. The connection she feels with the audience, and the immediate feedback from their laughter, has become her fuel.

This summer, she's traveling with other female crosstalk performers from the Hip-hop Crosstalk Club. The club's mission is to take an innovative approach while respecting the traditions of the art form, and it has given Shi the platform to expand her reach as an artist.

What makes Shi most proud is that she's not only gaining recognition as a crosstalk performer but also paving the way for future generations of female artists in the field. Her success has become a source of inspiration for many women who dream of following in her footsteps.

"I receive a lot of messages on social media from women who want to become crosstalk performers," she said.

"They share their dreams with me, and we encourage each other. Female performers are increasingly taking the lead in their own shows, creating new material, and earning recognition for their contributions. This is inspiring future generations of women to enter the world of crosstalk, with more role models and opportunities now available," she said.

chennan@chinadaily.com.cn