China’s women comedians have last laugh man’s world of stand-up
- Whether it’s office politics, northern Chinese culture or awkward romantic moments, female millennials are having their say
- The new generation is riding a wave of interest spurred by a web series called Rock and Roast
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China’s new wave of young women stand-up comedians tackle stereotypes
Strutting onstage with well-honed confidence, 23-year-old comedian Qiqi is part of a new wave of young, female stand-up acts in China, crashing into what has always previously been a man’s world.
Her jokes were met with roars of laughter from the well-heeled young professionals watching in a packed Beijing theatre.
“I’ve always liked making people laugh ever since I was small, it gives me a sense of accomplishment,” Qiqi said, using her stage name.
It racked up hundreds of millions of views this summer, and made viral sensations of several of its female stand-ups – their refreshingly outspoken anecdotes about awkward romantic encounters, body image and annoying male traits clearly striking a chord with audiences.
“My boss can’t even properly describe the tasks he wants me to do,” Qiqi, sporting dyed strawberry blonde pigtails and dangling cherry earrings.