lunch breaks on Wednesdays, after school hours on Thursdays, and mornings on Fridays
Shuo-Chang Fun Facts
The origin of cross talks duo:
Cross talks duo is usually played by cross talks performers. Speaking, imitating, teasing, and singing are also its four main artistic approaches. It is often performed jointly with cross talks, so it can be regarded as a variation of cross talks.
The origin of cross talks duo is unclear. A more acceptable explanation has it that cross talks duo originated during the end of the Qing Dynasty by Mr. Huang and his son, a cross talks father-and-son duo, who were originally cross talks performers. Once the Huangs were summoned to perform for the emperor, but the father was bothered by a sore throat. If they failed to perform for the emperor, they would have been accused of deceiving the emperor. The father came up with a brilliant idea. He asked his son to hide behind his chair while he sat on the chair to provide facial expressions and hand gestures. The performed was well-received by the emperor, and this new form of cross talks was born. Since the father and son’s last name was Huang, so the term Shuang-Huang, literally double Huang, was used to coin this type of performance.
How it is performed:
Cross talks duo is delivered with one person doing the acting while the other person hides behind to speak or sing. The one standing in the front is called ‘visible face,’ and this person is responsible for the acting and facial expression. They are professionally called ‘scattering heads and selling faces,’ similar to a support in a cross talks performance. The one hiding in the back is called ‘hidden face,’ and this person is responsible for providing all the sounds in the act. Therefore, it is also called ‘horizontal and vertical sounds,’ similar to a lead in a cross talks performance.
Source: TQT, Chinese Encyclopedia Online │ Edited by: Jessica
Shuo-Chang for you
Cross talks duo: (from left) Jessica, Nicole | Edited by: Ms. Li | Proofread by: Dora, Carol
Cross talks duo(Fragment)
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【Cross talks duo:Fragment】
A: We are going to bring you a cross talks duo today.
B: Cross talks duo is a traditional performing art by two people.
A: The one standing in the front is responsible for the facial expression; he/she is called the ‘visible face.’ The other person positioned in the back is responsible for the voice; he/she is called the ‘hidden face.’
Learning Tips (Reminders from student Shuo-Chang expert teachers)
Performing techniques:
When you need to open your mouth, open it wide
Speak up
Speak clearly
Pay attention to intonation
Be animated
Exaggerate gestures / movements
Be humorous
Do not laugh out loud
Learning logs
Date
Detail
10/22
Understanding the art of Shuo-Chang
Shortcuts on learning ‘Da Guo Men’ and using clappers
10/23
Writing script for market doggerel
Practicing intonation
10/28
Shortcuts on learning ‘Da Guo Men’ and review the use of clappers
10/29
Introduction on and practice of cross talks duo
10/30
Practice the intonation for cross talks duo
Browse clips of cross talks duo online
11/5
Memorize the script for market doggerel
Edit the script of cross talks duo
11/12
Practice market peddling
11/16
Practice storytelling with clappers – ‘The Sixth Mr. Liu’
11/18
Learn tongue twisters levels one to three
11/19
Review other forms of Shuo-Chang art
Review and memorize cross talks duo
11/20
Practice cross talks duo
12/2
Practice and memorize group script
12/3
Practice and memorize group performance
12/4
Adjust the intonation and movements for cross talks duo
12/10
Memorize the script for ‘hidden face’ in order to complete the cross talks duo
Afterthoughts
Nicole
After completing so many lessons on Shuo-Chang, I did find Shuo-Chang to be quite interesting, especially cross talks duo. My group learned cross talks duo, and I think cross talks duo is interesting because it is funny. In addition, performers are sometimes asked to put on silly outfits, which made it even funnier. While we were learning, our teachers kept on correcting our intonations. They also reminded us to open our mouths wide when talking, raise our voices, and exaggerate our gestures and movements. We really appreciate our student Shuo-Chang expert teachers, Dora and Carol, for being so patient with us. After learning cross talks duo for months, I hope I will be able to learn other forms of Shuo-Chang art in the future.
Jessica
Nicole and I were responsible for learning cross talks duo, and I was the ‘hidden face.’ Being the ‘hidden face,’ I was responsible for the talking and sound effects, so I really need to get my intonation right. Furthermore, I must do a good job entertaining the audience to make our performance a success. I think the art of Shuo-Chang is very interesting, and I do hope I will get a chance to learn other forms of Shuo-Chang art. Shuo-Chang has helped me improve not only my eloquence, but also my linguistic capabilities.
Text: Jessica and Nicole, the Original Artsy Shuo-Chang Posse │
Pictures: the Original Artsy Shuo-Chang Posse
