In an era when coloured people have often received a bad reputation, coloured men have joined forces to create humour through comedy.
The People of Colour(ed) Comedy Show is amazing because the cast recently took the stage at the Emperors Palace’s Marcellus Theatre to a sold-out audience.
The show’s concept and name were derived from comedian Dillan Oliphant, one of the organisers and acts in the show.
Oliphant explained that the name was a play on the phrase “people of colour”, with a concept based on celebrating the coloured community and creating a platform for new coloured comedians alongside established ones.
The show featured a line-up of established and up-and-coming coloured comedians, such as Robby Collins, Shanray van Wyk and Daelon Matthys, with internationally recognised comedian Calvin H Goldstone as the host.
They tickled the audience’s funny bones, many of whom were of coloured descent, coming from various areas, including Reiger Park, Eldorado Park, and Westbury, to name a few.
The comedians shared their experiences growing up in coloured homes and addressed the stigma around coloured people in SA.
Comedian Daelon ‘Dakes’ Matthys delivered a killer performance, touching on topics like religion, unemployment, and the humour in politics.
“I am very grateful for the opportunity to perform. After receiving the call, I ensured I was well prepared for it,” said Matthys.
Oliphant noted that the selection of comics was based on their hard work, dedication to the craft, and ability to get the audience laughing.
“Like Dakes, for example. I have always seen him work hard, and I like giving opportunities to those who deserve them,” Oliphant explained.
“We see comics on the circuit, identify that they are doing the work, killing the audience with laughter, and are loved. We decided to give them a bigger platform to perform on.”
The People of Colour(ed) Comedy Show was a resounding success, uniting people through laughter and challenging stereotypes positively and in an entertaining way.
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Those who attended the sold-out show left the room lighter, and there are plans to take the show on tour all over the country.
“We have been to Port Elizabeth, and this is the second time we have had a sold-out show at the same venue. We had the same show around the same time last year as well,” said Oliphant.
People on the south side of Johannesburg are expected to be next on the list to experience the celebration of the coloured community through comedy, with more comics getting an opportunity to perform. Oliphant highlighted that the focus is not only on coloured people but rather all people of colour.
“We will have all races on our show because the South African audience must see all types of comedians. This platform is for all comics.”
Article: Terry-Ann Diergaardt
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