Cross talkers to light up CCTV Gala

Cross talk performer Guo Degang is one of the most anticipated stars who will grace the stage for the 2013 Spring Festival Gala. Although Guo has been the hottest entertainer in China for years, this will be his first appearance on China's most watched TV event.

Dressed in black Changsam, the traditional outfit of the old generation of crosstalk performers, Guo Degang takes the stage with his long-time partner Yu Qian.

Forty-year-old Guo has been credited with reviving the popularity of cross talk, an ancient Chinese performing art that combines stand-up comedy with puns and poetry. Since late the 1990s, tickets to his performances in old-styled teahouses in Beijing have been the most sought-after.

Despite his success, Guo is both serious and humbled about debuting at the Spring Festival Gala, which is viewed by over 95% Chinese families on the last day of the Lunar Year. Hundreds of millions of people will be watching.

Guo Degang, cross talk performer, said:"Our skit is tailor made for the gala and has been revised a lot since its creation. Normally we would try to improve our skits after presenting them on stage. But this is no normal performance, and we want to show our respect to the gala."

The details of the skit will be kept a secret until the big show. Guo is hinting that it deals with something universally shared.

Guo Degang said:"Our skit is meant to show how ordinary people pursue happiness. I think it has no problem catering to most audiences. We as performers are nothing more than ordinary people, I believe we can voice their desires. "

Guo seems satisfied by the first rehearsal, punctuated by waves of laughter from the auditorium now and then.

Guo Degang said:"Everything goes well, just as we have expected. I am glad with the response from the audience."

On the eve of this year's Spring Festival, Guo Degang's skit will be presented just before the New Year countdown, the most sought after time slot during the four-hour-long gala.