Nanjing’s Poly Grand Theatre backstage boasts a unique atmosphere reminiscent of New England, despite being on the outskirts of the city. Enter one of the dressing rooms, and you’ll find prison clothes alongside a familiar flat cap waiting to adorn Mark Rowswell, a 59-year-old Canadian who, until he speaks Mandarin, appears destined to recite lines from an English script.
Embarking on a linguistic journey spanning over four decades, Rowswell has made an indelible mark in the realm of Chinese language. Breaking into the scene on state-backed television in the late 1980s and 1990s, he became the inaugural foreigner to venture into the realm of “crosstalk”, a specialized art form of stand-up comedy. Returning this year after a three-year hiatus, Rowswell is currently touring the country in a Chinese-language rendition of The Shawshank Redemption, with every role in the play masterfully undertaken by foreigners.
Unveiling the allure and challenges of learning Chinese, akin to mastering tennis in a sea of Roger Federers, Rowswell exudes a Wimbledon contender’s touch despite his late start in the game at 19. Garnering widespread fame among the Chinese populace, who fondly know him as Dashan, Rowswell emerges as one of the most celebrated foreigners in the country’s history. While flattering taxi drivers draw comparisons to his linguistic prowess, the mythos surrounding him intertwines deeply with the essence of an evolving nation.
Despite the tumultuous political backdrop and a changing landscape during the Covid-19 pandemic, Rowswell’s odyssey continues. Amid tightening regulations and staging a bold performance like The Shawshank Redemption, a prism through which differing worldviews refract, Rowswell persists in pursuing common ground amidst diverse perspectives.
Reflecting on his transformation into Dashan back in 1988, Rowswell’s journey has transcended linguistic boundaries to assume a cultural significance in China’s narrative. Commencing with a skit on China Central Television, the moniker “Big Mountain” encapsulated his foray into vernacular street Chinese, defining a pivotal moment in his linguistic metamorphosis.
Balancing humility and acknowledgment of imperfection has been a hallmark of Rowswell’s evolution, captivating audiences with his ethereal voice and commanding stage presence. Spatially distanced during the pandemic hiatus, he established a voice recording studio in Canada, delving into Chinese translations and even exploring classical poetry recitals to connect with his ancestral roots.
In an ever-evolving world where cultural dissonance abounds, Rowswell offers a beacon of hope through his nuanced performances and unyielding dedication to bridging the gap between different worldviews. As he charts a course through unchartered territories, Dashan’s legacy transcends linguistic barriers to encapsulate a narrative that transcends the realms of time and convention.
As the curtains draw on another riveting performance at the Poly Grand Theatre, Rowswell’s journey represents a fusion of cultures and identities that mirror the eternal quest for understanding and unity. Through his multifaceted career and storied evolution, Rowswell embodies the essence of an internationalist, traversing disparate worlds to weave a tapestry of intercultural harmony.
