I read an article* by Mark Bender on meaning and performance in traditional Chinese Pingtan storytelling. He stated that certain aesthetic principles guide the storyteller in their performance. These include credibility, intricate description, strongness, flavor and compelling interest. One pervasive concern among the storytellers and the audience is the quality of qing or "feeling" this is produced in the storytelling process. Establishing meaning in a performance was important then as it is now. We continue to strive to have these bonds with our audience.
It appears the goals for a storyteller has not changed over the centuries. A good story will last forever and be retold repeatedly. I found the Chinese stories to be full of symbolism (which all their many forms of art reflects), as well as the values of morality, honor, justice, respect and kindness shown to others. The stories are more alive now that I know a butterfly symbolizes long life or 70 years of age; a broken or smashed article says advanced age; and a chili pepper means to receive or to welcome wealth.
The Chinese stories I have heard and read, all have a quiet, even tone to them which I feel fits my style of storytelling. Plus I love all the folk tales involving animals as the wisdom keepers. Plus, I am a pushover for Chinese outfits and jewelry to wear when telling a story. I can see the genre being my primary focus in obtaining stories, although I will draw from Europe and other Eastern countries.
* Mark Bender, “It's the Feeling: Meaning and Performance in Suzhou Pingtan Storytelling”, paper presented at 'Performance, Ethnicity and Cultural Processes in China' symposium.
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