Market Peddling Doggerel

After weeks of studying, researching, and repeated practicing, the market peddling doggerel event has finally arrived. Even though we have been practicing for quite some time and received permission from stall owners, our anxious hearts still pounded fast. After checking all our props, the Original Artsy Shuochang Posse was finally moving out!

Activity Profile

 
 

Date: Saturday, November 28th, 2015

Location: Zhu Lin Market

Participants:

 
 

Event Logs

Gathering, Preparing, Rehearsing

After every one was present, we had a full rehearsal at school. After the rehearsal, we set off towards Zhu Lin market!

Opening Performance

Our team marched proudly to the entrance of the market. With shoppers busy going in and out of the market, we stood on each side of the aisle to perform our opening doggerel. Even though every one was extremely shy and nervous, we still tried our best to get the job done, and that got us started on the right foot for today’s market peddling activities.

 

Duration of Peddling

Each team arrived at their designated stall right on time, and we immediately asked the stall owner if we could start right away. Each stall owner arranged for a spot in front of the stall for us to stand, and we got started right away. With clappers and doggerel echoing in the air, customers paused in front of the stall to watch our performances. Our confidence was boosted tremendously after seeing such a crowd. We stayed between fifteen to twenty minutes in front of each stall. Some stall owners who weren’t on the original list even asked us to perform in front of their stalls. Some of us even received gifts from stall owners after our peddling performances. What a lucky day for them!



Big Parade

After peddling doggerel, it was time for the big parade at the market! All participating students, parents, teachers, and directors all held up sign boards, recited doggerels, and marched in the market. People at the market cheered us on gleefully, and some of them even filmed us on their phones. Today’s activity was busy and filled with fun. Yu Tsai shuochang peddling team had completed today’s job!

Feedbacks From Stall Owners

After completing the peddling doggerel activity for all the stalls, we asked each stall owner to share with us what they know about the art of shuochang, and in the mean time, give us a score based on today’s performance. Finally, we asked the owners to provide us with some suggestions and words of encouragement.

Name:Mr. Kong

Type of stall:hot pot ingredients

Peddling team:
Dora, Carol, Nicole, Jessica

Score: 9 points

Words from the owner:

We usually do business with regular customers, so there is little peddling going on at my stall. You guys did a great job peddling with a doggerel today, and I thought that was spectacular. I’d love to have you guys over and help out with peddling in the future.

Name: Mr. Tu Type of stall: fruits

Peddling team:
Candy, Ariel

Score: 10 points

Words from the owner:

When I sell fruits in the market by myself, I peddle to attract customers. I usually emphasize on how tasty and cheap my fruits are. When I peddle, people usually come and take a look around my stall. Today I saw your posters and clappers for peddling, and my stall was bustling with customers. I think I will start peddling with doggerel. When you have time, please come and peddle for me again!

Name: Mr. Lin Types of stall:vegetables

Peddling team:
Cathy, Howard, Tony

Score: 10 points

Words from the owner:

I normally don’t peddle since most of my business comes from returning customers. The students peddled with the art of shuochang, and I have had some exposure to that. I have seen cross talks before. Everyone did a great job today, and I was very pleased with your effort. My stall got pretty busy when you peddled, but I still won’t consider peddling myself.

Name:Mr. Zhang Type of stall::Beef

Peddling team:
Tim、Ryan、Jackie

Score:10 points

Words from the owner:

I know what a doggerel is, but I have never seen a shuochang related performance. When I do business, I don’t usually peddle. But when I do peddle, I would focus on what a great sale I have. With your help, I got a lot more customers than before, and even my grandson got excited! I can’t do doggerel, so when there is a chance, I’d like to invite you guys back again for another round of peddling.

Name: Mr. Bai Type of stall: grocery

Peddling team:
Jenny, Maxine, Andrew

Score: 8 points

Words from the owner:

Words from the owner: After today’s peddling and interview, I finally realized there are so many different forms of shuochang art. When I man the stall, I peddle as well. I usually focus on my peddling volume, content, and how fresh my goods are. You guys did an extraordinary job today. You could improve your performance by being more poised and raising your voice a bit more

Text: Ariel, the Original Artsy Shuo-Chang Posse │ Pictures: the Original Artsy Shuo-Chang Posse