One of China’s most popular comedians, Guo Degang, is currently under investigation, and many of his shows have been canceled. This comes after he changed the lyrics of a famous revolutionary song during a performance, raising eyebrows among local authorities.
Guo Degang is well-known for his unique style of xiangsheng, a traditional Chinese comedic dialogue. Recently, he was performing in Wuhan, a major city in central China, when he altered a lyric from a well-loved song. Instead of singing, “it is quiet along Weishan Lake,” he changed the words to “it is quiet in the Forbidden City.” This seemingly small change has led to significant consequences.
Due to “venue issues,” Guo’s scheduled show in Xi’an was canceled, as noted by a statement from his promotion company on the ticketing platform Damai. They also offered refunds for tickets, travel, and hotel costs. The venue hosting the performance referred to the cancellation as a postponement but did not provide a new date for the show.
Reports indicate that several other shows planned for August have also been canceled. This situation highlights the increasing control and censorship within China’s entertainment and arts sectors. Performers often find themselves walking a tightrope, dealing with unclear and frequently changing regulations known as “red lines.”
Guo’s lyric change did not go unnoticed; he was reported to Wuhan’s culture and tourism authorities following the performance where he altered the lyrics. Interestingly, while his performance had received prior approval from local officials, the change in lyrics was not sanctioned, which could have breached regulations governing public performances.
The lyrics in question are from “Playing My Beloved Pipa,” a song featured in the 1950s film Railway Guerrilla, which portrays Communist-led guerrillas battling Japanese forces during World War II. The song has a nostalgic significance and is popular among many in China. It was even performed at the CCTV Spring Festival gala in 1998 and highlighted by the Chinese Communist Party’s Publicity Department in 2019 as part of the celebrations for the 70th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China.
Guo Degang is credited with making xiangsheng more appealing to younger audiences, transforming this traditional art form into a contemporary comedy that resonates with many today. His influence has helped bridge the gap between generations, making traditional performances more relatable.
This incident is not an isolated one. In fact, it reflects a growing trend where performers face repercussions for their artistic expressions. Earlier this year, comedian Li Haoshi, known as House, sparked controversy by using a military slogan in a routine about dogs chasing squirrels. His company faced substantial fines, and Li has since refrained from public performances in mainland China.
As the entertainment landscape evolves in China, the balance between artistic freedom and state regulations continues to be a pressing issue for many performers, including Guo Degang.
