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Barbara Loots
Fresh from his European tour, Dalin Oliver steps back onto the Artscape stage and plays to his home ground advantage in a tone and style that only South Africans will truly understand, highlighting through the laughs that there is community power in our diversity.
Oliver’s unique perspective and comedic charm have earned him accolades and a loyal local audience. He’s been spreading his wings with a whirlwind comedy tour to six countries, sharing his style of observational comedy, and in the process showcasing that South Africans have a rainbow nation strength that the rest of the world can’t truly appreciate because we can’t fit into an easily describable box for their convenience (and also to soothe some of that colonial guilt).
Taking my seat for the opening night performance of 90 DAY COMEDIAN, I soon realised this is not a laugh a minute show. 90 DAY COMEDIAN is still Oliver with his quintessential comedic takes, but he’s matured in his comedy. This show is an amusing reflection on the South African spirit and how our diverse country has depth and endurance despite the hardships scattered through our past. Perhaps it’s best described as honest comedy with heart.
Following his international tour, Oliver returned home knowing that South Africa does not have to make space for anyone else –what we do need to do is to continue to make space for each other, both locally and abroad. We don’t need to dumb down or sensor our history for those who profited from it. We can stand our ground and embrace our diversity. We can celebrate words like “bakkie” with its multitude of meanings, be proud of things that characterize our sense of community (like the “smokkie” on the corner). In sharing all these resilient truths, Oliver scatters through the giggles and laughs, not being afraid to let comments that may make some wriggle in their seats a bit linger for effect.
With 90 DAY COMEDIAN Oliver has graduated to comedy that is unapologetic, thought-provoking and proudly South African.
You have until 1 December 2024, to get yourself to the Artscape and go on a laughter-filled journey with Oliver, as he explores identity, cultural politics, and all that makes South Africa such a wonderfully complex country. Tickets can be bought online through Webtickets.