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)