Chinese cross-talk master Ma Ji dies

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Source: CCTV.com | 12-21-2006 11:25

A famous Chinese Xiangsheng, or cross-talk performer has passed away.

Ma Ji died of a heart attack in the Chinese capital on Wednesday. As tributes have been underway to remember the great performer, Zeng Siwei tells us more about this prominent figure in China's art community.

Ma Ji (File Photo)

2006 would have been a year to celebrate for the late Xiangsheng master, Ma Ji.

It was the fiftieth anniversary of his great Xiangsheng performances.

In addition, this August, the 72-year-old was awarded the "Peony Prize for Lifetime Achievements" --- the highest honor in the Chinese art community.

Previously, Ma Ji was voted on-line as "The Greatest Contributor to China's Xiangsheng".

A chinese resident said, "I grew up with his Xiangsheng shows. The performances were wonderful. His death may be a loss for China's Xiangsheng community. "

Another resident expressed, "I'm very impressed by Ma Ji's Xiangsheng performance."

Ma Ji (R) performs at a show in Tokyo on April 15, 2006.

Ma was best known for his mastery of puns and satarization of social problems, as well as the praising of heroes.

He is considered an artist who linked the traditional Xiansheng with its modern form.

Xiangsheng is a traditional Chinese form of comedy, dating back over two thousand years.

It is usually performed at a fast pace and relies heavily on slang, puns, and imitations.

Xiangsheng involves one or more actors bantering on a fixed topic, but the most common format is performed by two people.

Ma Ji¡¯s wife (M) and daughters arrived at the China-Japan Friendship Hospital on Wednesday, December 20, 2006. (Photo: sina.com.cn)

Editor:Ji Xuewen