A traditional Chinese cross talk performance will be staged on February 12th and 13th at the Cultural Palace of Nationalities in Beijing.

Half of the dialogues to be performed are classics that boast a history of more than 100 years.
Known in Chinese as Xiangsheng, cross talk has developed in China for centuries reaching its peak after the founding of People's Republic of China.

It is currently experiencing some problems with people complaining that young practitioners are not very skilled.

But according to Li Jindou, a famous cross talk performer, both the old Xiangsheng classics and new additions will be in keeping with the essence of this ancient art form.

(CRI.com.cn February 6, 2005)