From Master-Disciple to Father-Son: Wang Zhenquan and His Mixed-Race Stepson Ma Danling's Extraordinary Bond [Exclusive Interview]

(Central News Agency, reporter Wang Shufen, Taipei, June 8th) Wang Zhenquan, hailed as the 'Godfather of Taiwanese Crosstalk,' has a talented mixed-race disciple, Ma Danling. The two were brought together by crosstalk, and three years ago, their relationship evolved from master-disciple to father-son. Ma Danling jokingly tells his mother, Ma Wanru, 'I found your husband for you!'

Wang Zhenquan, 73, is the founder and current head of the Hanlin Folk Performing Arts Troupe. Hanlin is Taiwan's first professional performing arts troupe, established in 1985 with a history of over 40 years. Wang broke the traditional mold of crosstalk being performed only in Mandarin, promoting it in Taiwanese Hokkien and Hakka to better connect with Taiwanese culture. The troupe frequently tours Taiwan and abroad, using the art of speaking, imitating, teasing, and singing to deliver laughter and make the performing arts accessible to the public.

Wang Zhenquan, his wife Ma Wanru, and stepson Ma Danling recently sat down for an exclusive interview with CNA, discussing the fascinating and heartwarming journey from master-disciple to father-son, where the son played matchmaker. It all started with crosstalk.

Ma Wanru, who runs a PR company, said she became a single mother about eight years ago. Ma Danling is of Taiwanese and Australian descent. She noted that her son was lively and talkative from a young age, so she thought it best to train his speaking skills. Having grown up listening to Peking opera and crosstalk with her own father, she enrolled her son in Hanlin's children's crosstalk class during the summer before he entered fourth grade.

Ma Danling, now an 8th grader, laughed as he recalled his first impression of Wang Zhenquan, thinking the teacher looked very humorous. Having listened to crosstalk with his grandfather as a child, he found learning it to be an interesting endeavor.

Wang Zhenquan said Ma Danling's sunny and handsome face is certainly eye-catching, but it's his quick mind, clear articulation, and natural lack of stage fright that make him a true talent for crosstalk—possessing both the 'look' (xiang) and the 'voice' (sheng). He added that the boy has excellent language skills, fluent in Mandarin, Taiwanese, and English, and even understands Japanese. He can even master Shandong dialect routines taught for crosstalk, making him a rare find and a treasure for promoting the performing arts.

Under Wang's guidance, Ma Danling's performance skills improved rapidly. In sixth grade, he won the top prize ('Te You') in the 'Solo Crosstalk' category at the 2024 Taipei City Elementary and Junior High School Crosstalk Competition.

Despite an age gap of nearly 60 years, crosstalk bridged the divide between Wang and Ma Danling, fostering a close bond of mentorship and friendship. Ma Danling took the initiative to invite Wang to his home for meals. As these visits became more frequent, a mutual affection grew between the long-single Wang and Ma Wanru, who also shared a love for traditional arts.

Ma Danling even arranged for Wang to join his mother's birthday cake-cutting ceremony. Three years ago, they finally became a family. The house is now often filled with the laughter of crosstalk, and Ma Danling proudly tells his mother, 'I found your husband for you!'

Wang Zhenquan said his bond with Ma Danling began as a master and disciple, deepened, and became that of a father and son, growing ever closer and stronger. Ma Danling describes their relationship not as a model father-son duo, but as the best of buddies. He even frankly admits he has a better relationship with his 'dad' (Wang) than with his mother.

Ma Wanru said that while raising her son as a single mother was not without its hardships, she always hoped he would have a father figure as a role model during his formative years. She admits her son had great insight, and she is grateful for Wang Zhenquan's persistence and for their mutual acceptance. Seeing them have their own 'man-to-man' conversations, she feels it's a relief, allowing her to simply be their happy 'princess'—lucky and blessed. (Editor: Wu Surou) 1150608