DURBAN comedian Arno Els is all set to stage his new one-man show this week.
After having the local music scene hooked for some time, Els stepped onto the comedy platform, and has gained much popularity. He is now ready to take that big step in to the land of stand-up by debuting his first, one-man show.
Entitled, The Naked Truth, Els indicated in an interview with Tonight that his show had been in the making for some time.
“Ever since I knew what a one-man show is I’ve always subconsciously worked towards it. But at the start of this year I made a deliberate decision to do a show before the end of 2014.”
Contrary to our belief that we were possibly to see some sought of a wildly comedic strip show on stage, Els elaborated on his choice of title: “The name The Naked Truth sums it up well. I wanted to be as authentic and honest as possible and without losing touch with the audience. Not just with my material, but also with who I am.
“It’s easy to feel the need to wear a mask, or not talk about certain things with certain people. The idea is to bypass that ridiculous need we sometimes have to be someone else to impress or persuade others. Also, I’ve done a bunch of nude photo shoots for different projects this year so I figured I’d run with that theme… I will be dressed for the show.”(Sorry ladies!).
A press release about his show said Els found his voice and was ready to make people laugh.
We asked what that was: “It’s when you know exactly who you are on stage, and what you want people to take away from your performance. It’s being firm in your resolve and confident in yourself. Being identifiable. I talk about many things.
“From growing up in a multicultural house, time spent being a functional drunk at work, relationships, why family is important, why vegans aren’t, the trouble with being Afrikaans, security guards, and learning how to defend yourself against mullets in Joburg,” he jokes, adding: “Really though, it’s just a journey through the little bit of life I’ve lived and the things I’ve learnt from it – slightly surreal and funny.”
Els has performed with renowned acts in Durban, Joburg, and Cape Town. He also won the 2014 DSOC (Durban Society of Comedy) Young Gun Of The Year Award.
Popular for music and comedy, we asked Els what he loved most about each. “Picking a favourite is hard. It’s what I imagine parents say about their two children. I don’t love either any more or any less. I love them differently and for different reasons.
“I have been a musician far longer than I’ve been a comedian so my bond with music might be stronger. I love being able to add an intense or expressive feeling to words with music.
“Music carries words so much more than we think. And it helps create the emotion for what can sometimes be ambiguous wording in a song.”
And of comedy, Els said it carried with it one of life’s “greatest rewards”.
“Making people laugh is the greatest reward from comedy. But sharing a bit about yourself and then creating common ground between you and your audience is priceless. When I get off stage I want to feel like I made new and awesome friends.”
• Catch The Naked Truth at The Factory Cafe (369 Magwaza Maphalala Road (Gale Street) at 6.30pm on October 31. R110 per ticket, includes dinner, wine, and show. Early booking is advised via e-mail [email protected] or call 072 122 7561.