Published : 2025-05-24
On May 24, 2012, master of Shanghai Farce (滑稽戲) Yang Huasheng (楊華生), who is also a representative inheritor of the national-level intangible cultural heritage solo performance project, passed away in Shanghai at the age of 94.
During his over 60-year stage career, Yang performed in nearly 100 works, leaving behind a large number of vivid stage images.
Yang Huasheng, originally named Yang Baokang, was born in 1918 in Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province.
From a young age, he loved singing Peking Opera, but his parents opposed him becoming a Peking Opera actor due to the hardships of learning it.
Therefore, Yang Huasheng joined the Huaguang New Drama Society in the Great World, becoming a trainee actor performing civilised drama.
By sheer coincidence, Yang came into contact with many farce actors at the Great World and apprenticed under farce master Bao Lele. From then on, Yang Huasheng abandoned his dream of Peking Opera and slowly worked his way up to become a master of farce.
In 1950, Yang became the head of the Cooperative Farce Troupe, playing the lead role of Rudolf in the farce Living Bodhisattva.
After 1951, he formed the Dagong Farce Troupe, playing the role of the police officer "Sanliujiu" in The House of 72 Tenants, a role that became a household name.
He also played Zhang Chao in Two Constables of Suzhou, portraying a valiant and resourceful constable.
Additionally, he performed in comedies such as Foolish Parents, Living Bodhisattva and The True Story of Ah Q, as well as solo performances like Ningbo Empty City Tactic and Western Mirror.
With his vivid stage personas and unique artistic style, Yang Huasheng left behind many classic works.
He also gave "Farce Lectures" at more than 10 higher education institutions including Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Fudan University, and authored books such as 60 Years of Yang Huasheng's farce Career.
In 1992, Yang Huasheng received the Certificate of Outstanding Cultural Contribution and a special government allowance from the State Council.
In 2009, he was selected as a representative inheritor of the national-level intangible cultural heritage "solo performance" project by the Ministry of Culture.
At the end of 2010, Yang Huasheng was awarded the "Lifetime Achievement Award" of the "China Quyi Peony Award", the highest honour in China's folk arts.
