The Chinese Storytellers and Singers of Ballads: Their Performances and Storytelling Techniques
The Chinese Storytellers and Singers of Ballads: Their Performances and Storytelling Techniques

Author(s): Věnceslava Hrdličková
Subject(s): Language and Literature Studies, Sociology of the arts, business, education, Sociology of Literature
Published by: Univerzita Palackého v Olomouci
Keywords: Oral tradition; Chinese storytelling; storytellers’ performances; dramatic techniques; composition of tales;
Summary/Abstract: The art of storytelling represents an integral part of the Chinese cultural heritage. Over the centuries, it has developed many forms, mostly covered by the Chinese broad term shuoshu. This paper explores the rich tradition of Chinese storytellers and singers of ballads, highlighting their performances, storytelling techniques, and the cultural significance of their art. The observations presented in the first section are based on extensive fieldwork. The author and her husband observed storytellers and singers in several cities and towns in northern China from 1950 to 1954. The section describes the characteristic features of performances in various settings, including street corners, marketplaces, teahouses, and small theatres. The second section discusses the form of pingshu, which refers to narrating prose tales without musical accompaniment. It highlights the simplicity of pingshu performances, the importance of voice modulation and minimal props, and the rigorous training required to master this art form. The third section focuses on the structure and composition of the storyteller’s tale. It emphasizes the importance of well-known themes, the storyteller’s specialization in specific genres, and the use of literary devices to enhance the narrative.

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