Cacia Zoo likes to provoke
Cacia is originally from Taiwan. She is a multi-faced feminist artist. Her field of expertise range from director, writer, story teller, collage maker, dancer to actor and model. Her art may come off as provocative and edgy at first sight but one can’t forget her visceral and honest-to-bone energy.
Her family is quite traditional. And she was the first free woman in her family also the only girl in her generation. She didn’t meet another female her age until she went to school. She was bullied in school for being a tom boy because she didn’t care to look beautiful for no one. She wishes to transform the dynamic of gender role, empower women and advocate freedom of expression, justice and fairness.
If she’s not creating, she’s on her way to!
What were you like as a teen?
I was a rebellious tomboy who broke all the rules. I wanted to stand out and be different from everyone else. My way of bring funny was roasting boys. I like to provoke. I walked into boys’ room for fun… I liked boys being scared of me. I probably had toxic masculinity even though I was a girl. Comedy wasn’t a goal at that time, being unique and eccentric was.
Did you have an un-sexy starter job?
Waitress. I learned to talk to strangers and how to pretend i care when i don’t.
What do you consider to be your biggest comedy achievement to date?
Learning to accept and make peace with my chaotic, messy, vulnerable, sentimental and imperfect side. Also–I made a viral TikTok that my friend’s nephew’s school were passing around for a day or two. He texted me about the storm I caused. I was the IT girl!
When you were coming up in comedy, what helped you stick with it?
My depression and intrusive thoughts.
Have you ever dealt with trolls? Hecklers? Toxic colleagues?
I quit. But, try to say “yes” to their criticism.
On your deathbed, what transcendent advice would you croak at a young comedian?
Write jokes that no one can tell but yourself.
Best comedy advice you ever got?
Be specific! Whatever made you feel embarrassed about it, dig into it.
How has being funny helped you in your life?
Being funny is a super power. It makes people feel very comfortable, so they open up easier.
What specific things should a novice comic do to shape their voice?
Let audience finish their laugh before you continue. Learn to hold the silence and not rush your comedy.
Was there one person who inspired you to go into the comedy world?
Ali Wong. She’s bold, raunchy, and unique.
Do you have a writing routine?
Go out and live a lot. While you’re at it, take notes on anecdotes. Talk to friends and see what made them laugh because sometimes I don’t know what’s funny about what I did. Then refine and edit alone.
What single word always cracks you up?
Queef.