Rasdien: The thinking man’s funnyman

Pitso Mosimane coach of the Senior mens team of South Africa during training �Pic Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

Pitso Mosimane coach of the Senior mens team of South Africa during training �Pic Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

Published Jun 6, 2012

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Joey Rasdien is one of a kind. The stand-up comedian and actor is finally on a countrywide tour of his Mixed DNA one-man show.

Don’t let the larger-than-life afro fool you: this cerebral comedian’s sets are not only funny but thought-provoking. For years, he’s gone on about the evolutionary process. About how coloured people are really the future of not just SA but of the world. Now, he’s going to expound on his theories in a much-anticipated one-man show.

“Mixed DNA” is a term he’s talked about for years. As early as when he was performing short sets on Sundays at the Comedy Underground in Melville to when he was telling “aunties” about tectonic plates at Gold Reef City’s The Lyric Theatre, this comedian’s focus is most often on anthropology and, obviously, politics and how they affect the layman. So expect to hear material about Julius Malema, Charles Darwin and Stephen Hawking. But also, be prepared to think a little.

Remember when Lauryn Hill went a bit left and made the Unplugged album? On one of many interludes on the acoustic album, Zion’s mom spoke about how she often felt that society wanted only certain parts of her personality and life to be acceptable. Like “two thirds of Lauryn may come in” and the other third must stay outside.

That hasn’t been the case for Rasdien. His background in financial advising (a high-level cushy position, mind you) isn’t made invisible now that he’s swopped a suit-and-tie day job to spend nights on stage wearing T-shirts and jeans. In fact, he’ll often bring out the numbers or include some out-of-the-box conversations in his sets that are clearly informed by his financial background.

He may not have had to use this in his many skits on the Pure Monate Show – the brainchild of comedy veterans David Kau and Kagiso Lediga. Rasdien may not have thought too much about it when he starred in Bunny Chow or, most recently, in the sidesplitting film Blitz Patrollie. Here, he will star alongside Kau, Chris Forrest, David Kibuuka and a host of other comedians who can hold their own in front of the camera.

On set or on stage, Rasdien is a force to be reckoned with, so don’t miss Mixed DNA.

• Joey Rasdien will perform his Mixed DNA show in Lenasia, Midrand, Rustenburg City Hall, the Oasis Lodge in Limpopo, Newcastle, the Olive Centre in Durban, the Port Elizabeth Opera House and the Baxter Theatre in Cape Town this month. Ticket prices will vary. Book at Computicket.

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