Chongqing - In the bustling city of Chongqing, a lively English stand-up comedy scene thrives under the leadership of Sasa Zhang, an organizer of the Chongqing Comedy Club. "Stand-up Comedy helps me become a better person," she said.

Offering distinct personal fulfillment and exploration

Known by many as Sasa, she took over the Chongqing Comedy Club and has been running it since 2023. She brings together English-speaking comedians from around the world and creates a space dedicated to laughter and connection. The club has hosted a variety of performances throughout the city, featuring talent from the United States, Scotland, Canada, and Ireland.

Sasa, organizer of Chongqing Comedy Club. (Photo/Sasa)

Originally from the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, stand-up comedy has gained significant popularity among young audiences globally, including in China, where it represents a new form of expression and entertainment aligned with modern experiences and challenges.

For Sasa, diving into stand-up comedy was more than just eliciting laughter; it profoundly shifted her perspective on life. She believes that stand-up comedy offers a distinct sense of fulfillment and recognition. "People need affirmation, no matter what they do," she shared, highlighting the universal desire for validation.

"Stand-up is cool and demands passion and perseverance; it's a feeling money can't buy," she mused. Sasa believes life is about finding such passion, especially when feeling lost. Loving oneself and improving as a person through this pursuit is truly remarkable.

Sasa highlights that stand-up comedy not only achieves personal accomplishment but also enhances her spiritual life, capturing life's nuances and fostering personal growth and exploration. "Life's little moments can be recorded anytime, anywhere," she said. "I think it's a wonderful thing."

Sasa's stand-up comedy performance venue. (Photo/Sasa)

Enhancing foreign residents' lives in Chongqing

Sasa maintains that a blend of passion for the craft and an open-minded attitude is crucial for perseverance in stand-up comedy. She particularly highlights comedians' unique, cross-border connection, a bond that extends beyond humor to cultivate an inclusive community.

"The coolest part is that you get to meet incredible people," She said. "You can perform anywhere in the world. I've performed in Bali, in Bangkok—it's an amazing feeling to connect with like-minded individuals."

In Bangkok, Sasa encountered Mike Eshaq, a stand-up comedian with a significant Instagram presence, boasting over 110,000 followers.

Stand-up comedy fosters a community of mutual appreciation and support, creating a non-judgmental and non-competitive environment. "Everyone appreciates each other, and there's mutual respect," she said. "It's just fantastic."

Sasa (left) made a lot of friends by giving stand-up comedy performances in Thailand. (Photo/Sasa)

"Being able to enrich the lives of those foreigners living in Chongqing is also something I hope to achieve," she expressed with a sense of responsibility and warmth.

She recalls a foreigner who, struggling with isolation from language and cultural barriers, thanked her sincerely. This individual found a sense of belonging and formed many friendships through the comedy club, a testament to its unifying power.

Sasa's experience in Chongqing's comedy circuit exemplifies the transformative power of laughter. Her passion, dedication, and on-stage interactions not only facilitate her growth but also enrich others' lives. Under her stewardship, the Chongqing Comedy Club stands as a hub of humor, camaraderie, and cultural interchange.