Xiangsheng
performing art / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Crosstalk, also known by its Chinese name xiangsheng (Simplified Chinese: 相声, Traditional Chinese: 相聲, pinyin: xiàngsheng, literally, "looking at each other and speaking"), is a traditional Chinese comedy form.[1] Crosstalk is a special kind of dialogue and a special kind of performance.[2]
The comic language has many puns and allusions. The words are spoken in a fast, rushed manner. The comedy is a kind of banter.[2]
According to Canadian crosstalk comedian Dashan (Mark Rowswell),[3] the closest equivalent in English would be Abbott and Costello's "Who's on First?" sketch.[4]