Back on the trail

It’s been an absolute whirlwind!

Now that we’ve vanquished technical issues, this website and blog is firing again and I’m so excited to keep you in the loop of all and everything.

I’ve been back on the Johannesburg comedy circuit moulding and crafting new material and it’s been incredibly positive for the past few months.

It’s been an epic return to focused stand-up comedy this year, with the recent National Arts Festival proving immensely rewarding. I debuted a one-man stand-up show The Dark Ages and had phenomenal success and experiences.

The show – which uses my dark complexion as a springboard to turn xenophobic and Afrophobic attitudes (that I regularly encounter) on their heads – connected with people on a level that exceeded expectations.

Donovan Goliath, one of my favourite acts on South Africa’s comedy scene, directed it and Cape Town-based comedian and actor Siv Ngesi was the producer. Having their names tied to the project was pivotal in driving interest before and during the June/July run.

The show earned a Standard Bank Ovation Award (as part of the Fringe programme) and is set for a run in Johannesburg and possibly Cape Town before year-end. I was beyond thrilled when I heard that we got the Ovation accolade and am driven to maintain some sort of consistency and possibly bring new work to next year’s Festival.

I’ve generally steered clear of performing material from The Dark Ages in the time since – mainly as a way to sculpt the newer stuff into slick comedy and also to make a grander ‘reveal’ of the show, once it finally runs again.

It’s been a moving few months. My friend and fellow Nat Caf alumnus Virgil Prins has been doing phenomenally well and is currently en route back from an international comedy festival in Korea! Last night at the Comic’s Choice Award, he was named winner in the Breakthrough Act category – signalling that his career has taken quite the leap forward. I’m so unbelievably proud and inspired.

In a similar vein, Ebhenhaezer Dibakwane – another friend and comic – earned the Newcomer Award at the same prestigious ceremony. Brilliant. Just phenomenal!

Making moves! Let’s keep doing this!

Stay tuned…

• Tyson