Chizi,prominent Chinese stand-up comedian,banned in China,now takes his act overseas. Recent shows in Singapore and other cities mark his return to stage, where he can express himself freely without China's constraints.
At a National University of Singapore show,Chizi opened with a jab at President Xi Jinping, drawing cheers. This reaction underscored stark contrast between his current environment and censorship back home. In China,he's now a shadow of former self,his name barely mentioned after the 2023 international ban .
Chizi,real name Wang Yuechi, has been stand-up fixture for over a decade . His career shifted after addressing sensitive topics abroad,leading to his ban. He remarked,"In China,my face is treated like sexual organ. It's not something that can be freely shown or circulated." His tour,including Tokyo,Taipei,and Kuala Lumpur,has sold out,showing strong demand for his comedy .
Despite risks,Chizi is drawn to challenging subjects. He wants to connect with Chinese-speaking audiences worldwide, saying, "If something feels risky or dangerous,I find it interesting." Performing in Taiwan,politically sensitive for China,shows this approach. "No Chinese comedian had ever performed in Taiwan," he noted,emphasizing cultural ties despite political tensions .
Chizi's set revolves around personal stories,avoiding overt political commentary . He cleverly sidesteps direct Xi references,calling him "Peng Liyuan's husband," nodding to First Lady's fame. This lets him engage audience while navigating humor's delicate boundaries.
He started comedy in 2015,quickly rising to fame,becoming a household name in China. Gained recognition on popular talk shows and streaming platforms,with improvisational style and sharp wit. As censorship tightened,he felt increasingly constrained. Even while complying,he kept a folder titled "Things I can't say," full of jokes that couldn't see light of day in China .
Chizi's ban was a turning point . Initially relieved,it freed him to express true feelings. "I wanted to express how I truly felt," he said. In North America,his shows gained candor,addressing censorship and plight of ethnic minorities in China .
Now,on international tour,Chizi aims for Australia,New Zealand,and beyond. He cherishes audience connection,saying,"Usually you make friends one by one,but on stage,I feel like I'm making 500 friends at once." This community feeling contrasts isolation under China's regime.
Chizi's story reflects broader challenges for artists in China,where expression is increasingly stifled. His determination to continue performing,resonates with many challenging status quo. As he navigates this new chapter,Chizi remains committed to sharing experiences,connecting with audiences worldwide…
