Barbarians at the Gate

In this episode, we reconnect with an old friend of the podcast, Canadian performer Mark Rowswell, better known in China as Dashan, or “Big Mountain.” Mark reflects on his early career in China, where his remarkable fluency in Mandarin launched him from a young foreign newcomer into the world of xiangsheng (相声, crosstalk), and soon after into a highly sought-after TV host and cultural ambassador bridging East and West.

He also shares insights into his latest creative project: a series of online videos featuring his recitations of classic Chinese poetry. What began during the pandemic with a relatively obscure Chu Ci (楚辞) poem that went viral has since grown to include well-known works by Li Bai and Su Shi, with Mark’s fresh approach—eschewing the traditional, formal style of langsong (朗诵) in favor of a more natural, conversational delivery—quickly gaining a wide audience. Over time, the project has grown increasingly ambitious, incorporating longer poems and rich musical collaborations, including performances with the Toronto and Winnipeg Symphony Orchestras.

Finally, Mark offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at his role in adapting The Shawshank Redemption into a Chinese-language stage production performed by an all-foreign cast. He discusses recruiting Mandarin-speaking actors, translating and culturally adapting the script, and the production’s warm reception among Chinese audiences.

Chinese Glossary

tuōkǒu xiù 脱口秀 — Stand-up comedy (derived from “talk show”)

Tǔcáo Dàhuì 吐槽大会 — A popular roast-style comedy show format

cābiānqiú 擦边球 — Literally “edge ball”; skirting the line of what is acceptable

bēiqiū 悲秋 — Mourning the arrival of autumn; a metaphor for aging

píng píng zè zè 平平仄仄 — Strict alternating tonal meter in classical poetry

Dìngfēng Bō 定风波 — A classical poem noted for syncing well with musical rhythm

Shēngshēng Màn 声声慢 — A famous lyric poem (ci) with musical accompaniment

Qiāng Jìn Jiǔ 将进酒 — Li Bai’s boisterous drinking poem

Chánghèn Gē 长恨歌 — “The Song of Everlasting Regret,” a 10-minute tragic epic

Chūnfēng táolǐ huākāi rì 春风桃李花开日 — A line from Changhen Ge

nǐ néng shuō ràokǒulìng ma? 你能说绕口令吗？ — “Can you say a tongue twister?”