Huang Chuyan, whose stage name is Huang Dama, gives a stand-up comedy performance in Changsha, Central China's Hunan Province. Photo: Courtesy of Huang Chuyan
 

lao deng

Stand-up Comedy and Friends

Out of love
Two years ago, before Shan Shan shot to his fame, 58-year-old comic Huang Chuyan, stage name Huang Dama (Auntie Huang in English), became the first elderly stand-up comedian who surprised the public by challenging the stereotypes of Chinese dama, a derogatory term for Chinese middle-aged women who love noisy square dancing, or guangchangwu. 
Huang has been dubbed the "Marvelous Mrs. Maisel in China" by the media. Her appearance filled a void on the stand-up comedy stage, which had previously been dominated by younger performers. The appearance of elderly comedians also opened a door for communication and mutual understanding between the elderly and young generations.  
On the stage of China's popular comedy show Rock & Roast in 2022, Huang captivated the audience with her portrayal of Chinese dama, posing with flowers and wearing silk scarves on trips. This resonated with the traditional image of Chinese middle-aged women held by many. However, after poking fun at this stereotype, she revealed her witty humor and broad vision.
Perhaps it was this sharp contrast, or as Huang herself puts it: "A middle-aged auntie doing stand-up is a joke in itself, so the audience encourages me relentlessly," that her performance became viral online, quickly garnering over 50 million views.
"I perform stand-up comedy because I love it," Shan Shan said in the Wednesday episode. It is also the reason Auntie Huang has always stressed. 
Huang's journey into stand-up comedy began after her retirement, from which she discovered a newfound freedom. A passion for comedy led her to watch countless online performances and numerous live shows in Changsha, Central China's Hunan Province. The low barriers of entry at many clubs inspired her to take the plunge herself.
Clicking on "I want to be on stage" on the WeChat account of Changsha's Xiaoma Stand-Up Comedy Club, Huang submitted a story about her basketball playing days as a young girl. This marked the beginning of the unexpected journey.
Recalling her first performance, Huang said "I just went for it with a playful attitude." 
She recalled to the Global Times the moment she realized that she began to connect with the younger audience. 
"As soon as I started saying 'in 1986,' the crowd erupted in laughter. I couldn't understand why! So, I asked them if anyone was born in 1986? No one responded. Then I asked if anyone was even an embryo back then? Still no. That's when it dawned on me that I was giving the audience a history lesson!" 
Chinese elderly generation, who possesses a wealth of life experiences, have long been absent from the stand-up comedy scene. None of the popular Chinese stand-up comedians today would tell stories about 1986.
Huang might not have the same professional experience as other comedians, but she brings a unique perspective to the stage. "Compared with professional stand-up comedians, I lack experience and performance skills," the former corporate manager admitted. "But I have a wealth of life experiences and stories to share."
For her, stand-up comedy is an enjoyable addition to her retirement life, but she said she also loves hanging out with young people and learning about current trends from them.
The enthusiastic response from the young audience fueled Huang's desire to keep writing and performing. "I can feel that both the industry and the audience are very accepting of elderly people," she expressed. "I hope to surprise those who might not have high expectations for dama on stage." 
Currently, Huang's family wholeheartedly supports her new passion for stand-up comedy. But initially, she kept it a secret from them and her friends, assuming they wouldn't be interested. 
Right now, after each performance video is released, Huang's husband would read the comments with her. "We laugh together while reading what people are saying," she beamed.

Wang Deshun takes an aircraft piloting course in Beijing in 2021. Photo: VCG

Like a Rolling Stone

Global Times

責編：馮宇軒

一審：馮宇軒

二審：唐煜斯

三審：秦慧英

來源：環(huán)球時報