Jiao Dehai

Biography

Jiao Dehai was a fourth-generation traditional Chinese comedy (xiangsheng) artist and one of the Eight Masters of Tianqiao in Beijing. He was born in Beijing in 1878 and died on July 31, 1935. He first learned the art of bamboo clapper storytelling before switching to xiangsheng under the tutelage of Xu Changfu. He began his career performing in Tianqiao Square in Beijing, later performing at venues such as Qingyunge Tea House, and was frequently invited to perform at private banquets. He was known for his skills in speaking and imitation, with clear diction, humorous language, a steady stage presence, and subtle facial expressions. His son, Shao Hai, also practiced xiangsheng and storytelling but did not achieve his father's fame and had modest earnings. After Jiao Dehai's death, his disciple Zhang Shuchen helped arrange the funeral with funds raised by famous performers to purchase a coffin for burial.