Suzhou Pingtan is a regional art form that combines Suzhou pinghua and tanci, namely, storytelling and ballad singing in the Suzhou dialect. Originated in the late Ming (1368-1644) Dynasty and early Qing (1644-1911) Dynasty, it has a story of over 400 years. In 2006, it became one of the first batch of items recognized as the national intangible cultural heritage and is typical of Wu Chinese language-based culture.
Architecture is the main part of a city and reveals a city’s history and culture. In his research, American architect Adam Brillhart found that the geography and climate of Jiangnan, south of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, have made the Suzhou’s traditional architecture unique, a reflection of Wu culture too.
As one of the most developed areas of the Wu culture, Suzhou is the birthplace of brilliant intangible cultural heritage items, among which Suzhou Pingtan is a centerpiece. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Suzhou rapidly emerged as a commercial center of the country, and the economic prosperity also laid the foundation for the rise of traditional architecture in the city and related culture and art as well. For example, the Pearl Pagoda, one of the notable works, is based on a story happened at a garden in the ancient town of Tongli, Suzhou.
In June 2022, the Suzhou Pingtan Park opened at Huangdai Town in the city’s Xiangcheng District. Covering an area of nearly 30,000 square meters, it includes a museum and two-floor theater which has about 200 seats.
As he delves into Suzhou Pingtan, Adam finds the Internet a great source to understand the art form. He found a young vlogger who has frequently created content in his home. Liu Jiameng and his wife Gao Sijing often perform together in their sweet home. Some videos are about making-up or preparation for a show together with a granny.
The couple’s home is at Sanyuan Yicun, a neighborhood of more than 20 years in Gusu District, where infrastructure renovation work is underway. Liu said his grandfather gave the house to him when he got married. Liu has also inherited the passion for Suzhou Pingtan and performing skills from his grandparents, who are both veteran performers.
Ten years ago, 15-year-old Liu began studying at Suzhou Pingtan School. In 2016, Liu and Gao joined the Changzhou Opera Troupe, starting a job constantly on road trips. Suzhou Pingtan works include long story-telling, which can last 15 days with 2 hours’ performance per day, medium-length stories and shorter stories. Performers usually travel a lot to different theatres in the Yangtze River Delta, sometimes staying at a place for at least 15 days. It’s quite exhausting for the young couple who desperately wanted to have more quality time together at home. In the winter of 2018, the grandfather died of illness suddenly while Liu was performing away from home and couldn’t return at that time, an experience that hit the young man hard.
Since 2019, Liu has been using online platforms to make the traditional art form more visible. He bought video filming equipment and updated his videos regularly. Some are about Pingtan and some about Wu culture. Up to now, Liu’s videos have received more than ten million views. In 2020, the couple quitted their jobs at the troupe and became independent performers.
With Internet, Liu is able to teach the art form easily, and some fans also learn Pingtan at his home.
“Many Chinese children living abroad are also interested in traditional culture and they learn with me online. I give lessons on weekends and always need to check the time difference," said Liu.
As long as someone wants to learn, Liu is willing to teach Suzhou Pingtan, musical instruments or Suzhou dialect.
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