There is no end to the debate over which of William Shakespeare's characters is his greatest creation, but Falstaff, one of the stars of the two Henry IV plays, usually comes in among the top of any survey of Shakespeare enthusiasts. Despite being a fat, cowardly, vulgar character who mocks authority while unashamedly seeking pleasure in vice, he is nevertheless one of Shakespeare's most heart-warming and sympathetic characters. If Hamlet had asked him the meaning of life, no doubt Falstaff would have handed him a jug of ale, told him to enjoy it while it lasts, before remarking on the shapely figure of his mother.
But while Shakespeare plays and Falstaffian humour are now inspiration for artists around the world, mainland authorities seem intent on taking away the stage on which such characters perform. In July, President Hu Jintao kicked off an 'anti-vulgarity campaign' when he declared that China should 'resolutely resist' vulgar, cheap and kitsch forms of culture. Guo Degang , a popular comedian and satirist already seems to have fallen foul of this campaign. Last month, his performances were the subject of criticism by a commentary in People's Daily as being 'one of the typical representatives of vulgarity'. Fellow comedians, Zhou Libo and Xiao Shenyang are expected to be next on the target list. All three of these comedians, who are now vastly popular in China and even among Chinese communities abroad, specialise in playing clever word games, especially with official slogans, while lampooning state leaders. In other words, they would have been the perfect company for Falstaff.
A nation with a thriving satirical and artistic community would be a sign of confidence and openness in its leadership. Comedians are hardly revolutionaries, while Shakespeare himself benefited from royal patronage. Falstaff's favourite companion and protege was Hal - who went on to lead England in victorious battles against the French as King Henry V, with stirring, heroic speeches. One could hardly accuse him of being unpatriotic.
