Sarah Peng
Hunan Province, China
Sarah, can you tell us about yourself?
I’m a Teaching Fellow in Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University and a stand-up comedian. My students call me a professor, my audiences calls me a comedian, and you can call me slasher. I have been performing stand-up comedy in English for the last four years.
Do you perform in English or Chinese?
Although I’m a native Chinese speaker, I teach law and perform stand-up comedy in English. For me, stand-up comedy is a craft and, like any other art forms, I think the essence of stand-up is a way of self-expression. On stage, I want to develop my own unique voice. I believe laughing can connect people and the world.
How did you begin doing comedy?
Around five years ago, I watched stand-up comedy for the very first time in Suzhou. I really liked it from the beginning and, after that, I became a regular audience member. After watched stand-up for around a year, I started to write my own jokes and signed up for open mics. There are only few female comedians on the stage, and I think it’s important to let people see a female Chinese presence on stage too.
What are your comedy related goals?
Eventually I hope I can find my own style and voice on stage, as well as have my own showcases.
What would you say to anyone considering trying stand-up?
Write five minutes jokes and just go to an open mic; “don’t be shy, just try.” It will be a cool experience! I’ve seen many people come and go…but if you have a passion for stand-up, then keep at it. Life is short, so it’s better to do the things you really like to do.
Anything you want to add?
I’m not a native English speaker, and people keep expressing how difficult it must be to do stand-up in English for a Chinese person. But, I think things that are valuable are not so easy. I believe what I’m doing is valuable, and worth my time and effort. Actually I consider myself very lucky as I belong to the first generation in China doing stand-up comedy in English. It’s sort of like being a pioneer in this field.
Shanghai is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city; I like the audience and the comedians are very diverse and international. I hope people can also hear more voices from Chinese female comedians, see our perspectives and appreciate our sense of humor.
When is your next show?
This Saturday, 7pm, in KFK.