How long have you been in Beijing, dear reader? I often find myself evading this inquiry ... well, I’ve been here for nearly ten years. Time really does seem to zip by when you’re enjoying yourself, doesn’t it?
Much of this joy stems from a group of women united under a project that also celebrates its 10-year milestone in Beijing. The Beijing Broads have been active for a decade now, and I can still recall their very first performances. Their impact is indeed memorable. Over the years, the Broads have experienced it all. From their inception to the tough times during Covid, from joyous moments to significant transformations, and even deep sorrow, the Beijing Broads have thrived due to their ability to adapt and overcome challenges.
Beijing can be a fleeting city for many, and goodbyes are often tough. However, when a Beijing Broad takes the stage, this much is certain: you’ll have an amazing time. Just a heads-up, please don’t mistake their impressive improv talents for effortless skill. The Beijing Broads put in a tremendous amount of effort before the show begins.
With this introduction, you should be eager to grab your tickets for their tenth anniversary performance, "Just Getting Started," happening this Saturday (Dec 13) at 7:30 PM at JinShang Yuan, the preferred spot for the English-speaking theater audience in Beijing. Be sure to reserve your seat before they run out. I’m also here to ensure you find time in your day for this interview with Sai, the remarkable spokesperson for the Beijing Broads, and Stephanie, a wonderful recent addition to the team. There’s much to discuss before the show commences.
Before we delve deeper, congratulations on reaching the ten-year milestone! It’s quite an achievement in this city. People come and go, yet the Beijing Broads have consistently remained active and adapted over time.
Thank you! Reaching ten years feels surreal. Once, we were just a small group of women gathering in borrowed rehearsal spaces, trying to make each other laugh. Now, we’ve evolved into a vibrant community of performers, alumni, and fans who keep us motivated. The city is always changing, yet the Broads have become a steady source of chaos, joy, and resilience.
Absolutely. Speaking of origins, I’ve always loved your name. It’s cheeky, irreverent, and fun. You truly embody the finest broads in town. Is there a story behind it?
Definitely! We embrace rebellion, humor, and we’re a bit nerdy too. The name reflects this mix. “Broads” is an old-fashioned term—bold and brash—something we liked to reclaim in a modern, feminist, playful way. From the beginning, we set the tone to remind ourselves to have fun, bend a few rules, and not take things too seriously.
That’s so true. A lot can happen in ten years. Could you highlight three significant moments from your history? Whether happy, unexpected, exhilarating, or something else, we’re here for all the emotions.
I’d like to focus on three key moments. First, our very first sold-out show. That night, we realized that people in Beijing genuinely wanted to see improv shows from a group of women who were still figuring out how to use microphones. The Covid years were also a pivotal time in our history. It was a challenging period but pushed us to redefine everything about ourselves: our show format, rehearsal methods, and even the support we gave each other. After that chapter ended, we had our first post-Covid comeback show, which felt like a rebirth. The energy, the cheers, that sense of “we made it”—that night is unforgettable as well.
I completely relate to what you said about making it through. Sai, you’ve mentioned two highlights for your upcoming show. On one hand, you have new talent joining you, and on the other hand, this show will be entirely improvisational, with no scripted elements. Could you elaborate on both?
Sai: Certainly. We’ve welcomed some fantastic new performers—women with great instincts, timing, and a readiness to dive into the unknown. Their addition to the Broads feels like enriching the vibrant chaos of our collective. As for going completely improvisational, it’s a return to our roots—no scripts, no safety nets—just chemistry, unpredictability, and trust.
Such great energy! And of course, the proceeds from your show will benefit charity…
That’s right! We always donate all the proceeds to public welfare organizations focused on empowering women. Since 2023, we've supported Green Rose (绿蔷薇社工组织, lǜ qiángwēi shègōng zǔzhī), a social organization based in Shenzhen, founded by female migrant workers to promote empowerment and self-expression.
On that note, we also want to express our gratitude to Jin
Beijing's all-female comedy group marks their tenth anniversary at JinShang Yuan.
