They say laughter is the best medicine. Many Cape Town comedians are hoping one of their own benefits from this idea.
Rustum August (pictured), a comic and well-known Cape Town comedy organiser, was recently diagnosed with cancer.
To show their love for their comedy compadre, and to help raise funds to pay for August’s medical bills, a dozen comedians will perform their stand-up at the River Club on Sunday in the second Cancer Is Kak comedy show.
The comedians are Gino Fernandez, Zinzi Mangweni, Kurt Langeveld, Ryan Carelse, Dalin Oliver, Chris Steenkamp, Liam Bento, Oliver Booth, Tracy Klaas, Siv Ngesi, Kurt Schoonraad and Nik Rabinowitz. Cancer Is Kak will be hosted by Carl Weber.
The outpouring of love from the comedians who performed at the first Cancer Is Kak show as well as the ones who will show their love at this week- end’s show is heartwarming. August’s father, Roger, said his son “embraced” the show of love from his friends and colleagues.
“He felt proud of them,” continued Roger, “that they had got together and made an effort for him. Rustum was taken by surprise and overwhelmed by the reception he got after all the effort he has put into comedy. I think this is one way that he is reaping his rewards.”
August has been a mainstay on the Mother City’s comedy scene for many years.
Whether he is on the stage, or behind the scenes, in the trenches, organising for come-dians – especially new, up-and-coming talent – to cut their teeth on the public platform.
Whether hosting indepen-dent comedy shows, or as a part of the Starving Comics collective, August is a champion for comedy.
As Rabinowitz puts it: “Rustum is, and has been, an integral part of Cape Town comedy. We love him and support him. It’s great to see that comedians are doing this for him.
“In terms of the show, it’s going to be a straight up and down stand-up comedy set, but none of it will be tragic, we’re going to be celebrating life.”
• Cancer Is Kak is at The River Club, corner Liesbeek Parkway and Observatory Road, Observatory, on Sunday from 6pm.
Tickets cost R100 at www.webtickets.co.za and the door.
For further information, call 021 448 6117.