Qingdao's old lanes find fresh energy in laughter

Nani writes, performs, and even builds the props for her wordless solo show Frida's Incredible Journey, which was staged during the festival.

"It's amazing to be able to travel the world doing wordless theater. A lot of our themes are things most people can relate to in some way. It's about sharing the magic with as many people as possible," she said.

Nani had also performed in Shanghai last year. Chinese audiences, she finds, tend to appreciate clever jokes. The children's strong curiosity, though, is what she remembers most. She recalled a brother and sister who stayed to study the scenography for 15 minutes.

It was her first time in Qingdao, and she explored the city on foot until her legs were sore — especially the areas where the festival was staged.

"The festival is really well put together. There is so much merchandise, colored lights, decorations on the rooftops. It feels like Disneyland in a way," she said.

For veteran performer Shepard, who has toured across Europe and his home country of Australia over the past 30 years and taken part in art festivals around the world, the one in Qingdao still felt fresh.

"There are lots of different things going on. It feels like around every corner, there is something else," he said.

"Laughter is the best medicine, and laughter transcends all languages. And when people laugh together, they feel connected."

A street performer since the 1990s, Shepard sees the challenge of street performance as getting people's attention — and holding it.

"You just don't let them deviate from the show. You have to keep them engaged the whole time. And it's difficult. But when it's working, it's just pure magic."

That magic was on full display in an open square, where Cuban performer Lima drew in the crowds with a comedy about a cleaner with musical dreams. Both adults and children alike were eager to be picked to join him on stage.

Ding Ting, a visitor from Changsha, Hunan province, found the show engaged with the audience from start to finish. Yet every spectator asked to participate seemed naturally funny and utterly unafraid of the stage.

"Everyone really throws themselves into it. Some improvised reactions even made the show funnier," she said.

She came for a short getaway during the Mid-Autumn Festival holidays. Back home in Changsha, she often catches stand-up shows with friends. After strolling the festival areas and catching several theater shows, she said: "The best part of watching comedy in Qingdao is the audience. They're the quickest to catch a joke of any crowd I've ever seen.

"It's a perfect way to spend a holiday in a place where everyone seems to put happiness above all else."

In Huang's view, Qingdao has a comedic atmosphere all its own. Natural humor runs through the locals' everyday conversations in the local dialect.

"People have their confusions and hardships in life, and they have this way of dissolving them. Their humor is a bit rough-edged, and sometimes it turns into self-deprecation."

Now, in the restored historic blocks, beyond the comedy festival itself, more humor is fermenting as theater troupes and comedy clubs are incubated in these spaces. Improvised comedy, theater workshops, and other activities keep running.

On the third floor of the former residence of Zhao Taimou, a renowned modern educator in Shandong, a small space is packed with young audience members.

They sit cross-legged in a circle on the floor, leaving a small clearing in the middle as a stage for improv comedy. The performers stand at the center and riff off whatever keywords the audience tosses out.

"Here at the former residence, we've already set up two regular communities: an improv comedy workshop and a parent-child theater workshop. We hold events every weekend or holiday, and both young people and families love coming," said Li Dami, manager of a local comedy club named Tangdou.

The shows have ended. The magic in these courtyards will continue.

Contact the writer at xingwen@chinadaily.com.cn