Word-of-mouth keeps tradition alive

A 79-year-old man, surnamed Zhang, is a regular listener at Peng's performances in Cultural Park.

"This young man tells vivid stories," he said. "Members of my family come occasionally, not often. Those who come every week are primarily senior people. Young people have to work and don't have time. Even if they have time, they are not interested. I think it's because they haven't read old books. When they have, they will like storytelling."

High school student Pan Weihua attended a performance for the first time this month. "I first heard Cantonese storytelling on the radio when I was in middle school, because my dad loves it," Pan said. "Few people I know listen to it, though."

Apart from the park, Peng also performs in schools. Every year, about 3,000 students attend Cantonese storytelling sessions on campus in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province.

He is also engaged in promoting the tradition, training artistic performers and developing cultural creativity products, and promoting Cantonese culture via social media. Support from the city and district authorities helps preserve the intangible cultural heritage, he said.

Preparations are underway to hold a Cantonese storytelling contest next year. Peng hopes to make the contest a regular event and bring performances to theaters.

Today, he has more than 20 disciples, all primary or middle school students. "It's not difficult for them to take up the profession and carry on the tradition. The key is whether they are willing or not. They will have to think of ways to make a living.

"The demand is not there yet. So I'll focus on expanding the market and seeking more support to help explore a new path for the development," Peng added.

"I hope to raise awareness of intangible cultural heritage among young people. After all, it is the basis of our Chinese tradition."

Gu Caijuan contributed to this story.

liwenfang@chinadaily.com.cn