Famous comic Zhao Benshan is taking Errenzhuan, a genre
of theatrical duet comedy sketches popular in northeastern China
(Dongbei), to the US.
This is the first time the traditional Chinese folk
entertainment will be performed on such a high-profile tour in
America.
Led by Zhao, the 30-member Liaoning folk art group will visit six cities:
Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, New York, Boston and
Atlanta.
In addition to Errenzhuan, the troupe will perform
other traditional comedy sketches, instrumental folk music, and
satires. Zhao will also attend an overseas Chinese Spring Festival gala in New York on March
2.
In recent years, Errenzhuan has developed from the
villages to cities and become popular all over the country. The
Liaoning folk art group performed 1,760 Errenzhuan shows
last year, an average of 4.8 performances a day.
(Xinhua News Agency February 25, 2007)