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Serious Approach to Comedy

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Serious Approach to Comedy 18 | Friday, March 26, 2021 HONG KONG EDITION | CHINA DAILY LIFE Exploring China and Namibia relations WINDHOEK — Namibia Broadcasting Corp on Monday premiered a four-episode docu- mentary called Glamorous Namibia on its prime national television channel in a move to promote Namibia and enhance bilateral relations between Chi- na and Namibia. The documentary features Namibia’s people, its history, customs, socio-economic pro- gression, cultural diversity, tour- ism, landscape, as well as Chinese people’s experiences in the country. It also includes a synopsis of China-Namibia rela- tions; providing history and context about the bilateral rela- tions between the two countries, as well as milestones in the cooperation, dating to the 1960s. From left: Three veterans, director Ying Da, actor and comedian Chen Peisi and cross-talk performer Guo Degang, mentor a new generation of Chinese comedians on the CCTV Stanley Similo, director-gen- variety show Gold Medal Comedy Class. PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY eral of Namibia Broadcasting Corp, says the airing of the docu- mentary aimed to celebrate Namibia’s 31st independence day, which took place on Sun- day. Serious approach to comedy The premiere also coincided with the 31st anniversary of the establishment of China-Nami- New TV show sees veteran funnymen nurture future talent, while encouraging them to work harder bia diplomatic relations on Monday. for the laughs and think deeper about their craft, Wang Kaihao reports. Locals tuned in to watch the show’s premiere. enerations of Chinese rhythms of language, while Ying, Laina Nelago from Tsumeb, a were once used to seeing director of the iconic Chinese ’90s town in the northern part of the the amusing performan- sitcom I Love My Family, says roles country, says she watched the ces of Chinese actor and featuring individuality are a key part show because of her keen inter- Gcomedian Chen Peisi, particularly of it. est in the cooperation between his turns on the stage of China Cen- “It’s time to nurture more talent China and Namibia. tral Television’s Spring Festival galas for the future,” Ying says. “And a in the 1990s that made him a house- good way to do that is to learn from hold name. the past.” However, it’s not his comedy Therefore, he encourages today’s The broadcast of antics that will be the focus of his comedians to glean more inspiration return to the TV network, now a part from ancient literature. the documentary in of China Media Group, after a Speaking of what can be taught to Namibia will 20-year hiatus. young performers, Chen says the With his white mustache, the real “classics” are not stories to be further strengthen 67-year-old has shaken off the image mimicked, but should be used to the people-to-people of the mischievous young man from learn a technical approach to tell sto- those vintage clips and, for the 12-epi- ries. For example, methodologies in bond between our sode variety show Gold Medal Come- Huaji Liezhuan (Comedians’ Biog- two countries.” dy Class, he is more of a mentor, raphies), an article from the founda- inspiring a new generation to think Yang Jun, political counselor, tional text of Chinese history Shiji Chinese embassy in Namibia about the deeper meaning of comedy. (Records of the Grand Historian), “I’m still an actor, just an old one,” can still benefit today’s comedians. Chen says in an online interview. “I “When certain conditions are met, Nelago says she ended up only want to pass my experiences a good comedy will be born natural- learning more about her coun- down to young people and nurture ly,” he adds. try, especially about the wildlife their talent.” Young comedians perform a short sketch during the variety show Gold Medal Comedy Class. On social networking platform and conservation efforts by the Chinese variety shows don’t lack PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY Sina Weibo, posts related to Gold government and other bodies, laughter, as an abundance of stand- Medal Comedy Class have attracted as well as nongovernmental up comedy programs have hooked evolve over time. war — to explore human nature. In his opinion, while making peo- over 280 million clicks, according to organizations. numerous fans in recent years, but “Brilliant comedies stand solidly Nevertheless, from the point of ple laugh is what comedy is about, a the statistics of China Media Group. She is not the only one. Pros- Gold Medal Comedy Class, which on a foundation of great works, great view of the mentors, creativity in tra- performer should not be obsessed “This show aims to present not per Absalom, based in the capi- premiered in February, now reminds scripts,” Chen says. “That’s why ditional comedy still has a long way with that side of it while writing only stage performances, but also tal city of Windhoek, says he the audience that creating comedy is so-called performance skills should to go. scripts. how the art can be developed to a learned a lot about Namibian a serious business. not be overwhelmingly highlighted. For example, in one stage drama “Today’s comedies put too much high quality,” says Ren Congshu, a history, which was recounted by In the program, young comedians If we tend to just follow certain pop- on the show, performers adapt the emphasis on jokes,” he says. “How to director at CMG in charge of variety Josiah Matengu, an official at follow three veteran mentors — ular formats, and forget what kind of classic story of the Monkey King to create laughter may be central to the shows. the National Museum of Nami- Chen, director Ying Da, and cross- original content is needed, that include musical elements and production, but we need to care more “Variety shows that trigger peo- bia who featured in the docu- talk (xiangsheng) performer Guo won’t result in a good production.” dance. While the live audience burst about where the comedy comes from ple’s laughter will always be in mentary. Furthermore, he Degang — to explore different gen- While most performances in the into laughter, the three seasoned vet- and the nature of it. It’s about stories demand,” he says. “However, it’s gained insight into the history of res of performance of short stage show still focus on people’s daily erans saw the performance as mere- and structure ... Deep thinking is actually quite difficult to amuse peo- cooperation between China and dramas mixed with music, magic, lives at home and in the office in a ly a series of punchlines, noting a something beyond just laughter.” ple ... We want to revive techniques Namibia. and puppet shows, among others. bid to find an emotional resonance lack of chemistry among the actors. The other two mentors also voice and find multiple ways of express- Other achievements covered It’s designed to help people to see with the audience, many young “Performers shouldn’t be eager for their own understanding of comedy ing humor.” in the documentary included how brilliant comedians get rigidly comedians try to break down the quick success,” Chen says. “If you don’t in the program. Guo, who found the establishment of a Confuci- trained, inheriting traditional ele- barrier between comedy and serious have a feeling for your role, your per- fame with his xiangsheng perform- Contact the writer at us institute and the 40-hectare ments of Chinese stagecraft and themes, such as history — or even formance will be flawed throughout.” ance group Deyunshe, highlights the [email protected] Chinese-built port terminal at Namport, which was built by State-owned China Harbour Engineering Co, among others. According to Similo, the coop- In life, kindness and courtesy are always in order eration with the Chinese embas- sy in Namibia in publicizing the show enhances China-Namibia What’s wrong with some people? calm and fostering peace and ingly loud and belligerent. “Back of always happy to let them go ahead My crime, in the eyes of one of relations which are not only I know that’s a broad question, and understanding. the line!” he commanded. of me. This just seems the right the self-appointed guardians of rooted in mutual trust and there’s no simple answer. It raises I offer two cases in point: Here is where, I’m ashamed to thing to do for a fellow human. It’s society, was that I drove my car respect but also embedded in other questions — for example, One day, my wife and I drove say, I lost some civility. My wife saw the way of social harmony. Life is ahead in the unobstructed right- solid diplomatic understanding. “Which people?” together to a large supermarket in the escalating confrontation, as did too short to start fights over little hand lane (which was perfectly Meanwhile, the documentary, So let me be specific: I’m talking the United States. There was a long some gawkers, and in her usual things, or to refuse to help another legal) passing most of the frozen which was publicized in China about those people who have line of people outside, as the mar- sweet way tried to keep the peace. person. Chinese courtesy is a traffic jam and finally nudging left in December 2020, also hopes to appointed them- ket was limiting the number of cus- As it turns out that wasn’t neces- famous model. into the line of cars at the far end. attract and draw Chinese tour- selves guardians of tomers inside because of COVID-19. sary, as the line was moving rapid- Raising my children, I taught When traffic was flowing again, a ists to Namibia, says Yang Jun, society and who find So she got out of the car and ly into the store at this point.
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