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Gao Yuanjun (1916-1993), the most famous performing artist of ShandongKuaishu, was a native of Ningling County, Henan Province. He started to learnKuaishuin Nanjing from Qi Yongli at the age of 14. After finishing apprenticeship, he performed in Nanjing and became famous. After the founding of new China, he actively devoted himself to literature work in the army and the fostering of younger talents. In addition, he composed many outstanding works favored by audiences. When he was alive, he once served as the vice chairman in China's Association of Quyi Artists.

Gao Yuanjun performing Shandong Kuaishu

In the 1940s, Gao often made radio broadcasts and records of his performances. In the course of time,Kuaishubecame divided into two major schools: One is that of Yang Lide, being called the Yang School and based in Jinan, Shandong Province; the other is that of Gao Yuanjun, based in Beijing and called the Gao School. However most ShandongKuaishuartists in various places in China belong to the Gao School.

As Gao Yuanjun performed in many places in his earlier years, he became experienced and knowledgeable. Apart from collating and re-editing some items from the traditional repertoire, he also compiled and staged some items reflecting the modern life of new China. His representative works includeLuda Killing the Local Tyrant, Zhao Kuagyin Riots in the Ma Family Store, A Cartload of SorghumandKilling Luan Ping by Strategy. The most important representative item is the full-length 16-chapterStory of Wu Song.

Gao Yuanjun's narrative and singing are of a relaxed and witty style. ShandongKuaishu's language is full of local flavor, so his performance makes one feel that it is very simple and intimate. Gao has written books such asA Random discussion on Shandong KuaishuandShandong Kuaishuand I. The scripts compiled and performed by him, have been published in a book entitledSelected Items of Gao Yuanjun's Shandong Kuaishu.