Errenzhuan Artist: Li Qingshan

Li Qinshan (1904-1978). the leading Errenzhuan artist. was born in Shulan. Jilin Province. He was a cowherd in his childhood. At the age of 15. he studied Errenzhuan under Zhang Xiangchen. Li Qingshan won renown as an Errenzhuan performer in Northeast China at the age of 18. When playing the role of a woman. he used the name Da Jin Xiang Yu. Later he used another stage name. Da Ji Qi. when he played a clown.

Li had a unique way of handling dialogue. He was particularly good at extempore dialogue. with which he won the hearts and minds of the audience. He played three types of Errenzhuan. over 60 folk songs and more than 200 Errenzhuan programs popular in Northeast China with equal success. Hong Yue`e Had a Dream and Shuai Jing Jia (Throw Away Spectacles Frame) were his outstanding solo programs.

After 1950. Li Qingshan worked as a teacher in Jilin Provincial Literature Troupe and Changchun Literature Troupe in succession. He paid attention to reforms in literature development and fostered many outstanding actors. In 1958. he began to teach in Jilin Provincial Xiqu School and at the same time was hired as an art advisor by Jilin Jiju Troupe. In his late years. he was enthusiastic about teaching arts and told about his art experience. In 1979. he wrote two articles -- Talk About Arts and A Close-up. which were included into the book Historical Materials About Errenzhuan.