Highly acclaimed crosstalk performer Ma Ji died from heart disease at the age of 72 in Beijing on December 20, 2006. Crosstalk enjoys such a wide popularity in China that people all over the country mourned the departed master. On the Internet, numerous netizens penned messages to express their sadness at Ma's passing.

Xiangsheng (Comic Dialogue or Crosstalk) is one of the most popular and influential types of quyi . It is humorous and highly satirical by nature. Xiangsheng originated in the second half of the 19th century, when performers began to take to the stage in the Tianqiao area of Beijing. The performance, which usually involves two people, combines jokes, vocal imitation and folk culture.

Beijing and Tianjin are considered the two most important bases for the art form. Beijing has spawned great performers like Hou Baolin (1917-93), while Tianjin has produced masters like Ma Sanli (1914-2003).

Ups and downs of Xiangsheng

Picture of Xiangsheng marters taken in 1960

Though similar performances had been popular for centuries, it was only in the reign (1851-1861) of Emperor Xianfeng of the Qing Dynasty that xiangsheng became established as an independent art form.