Al Prodgers conversations with Comedians - Hannes Brummer
….. Most of the time he’s probably telling jokes about his
genitals for beer money…
A conversation between comedians usually turns into an
exploration of the necessity for comedy in a constantly changing world. Al Prodgers
proved the perfect comic to have this discussion with.
Al’s list of comedic achievements is truly impressive and
his chosen profession has taken him everywhere, from Fouriesburg to Abu Dhabi. An active participant of our club circuit,
and an in demand corporate MC, his CV includes being a non-Canadian to progress
all the way to the final 8 of the Yuk Yuk’s Great Canadian Laugh off in 2007 and participant in almost every
auditorium comedy event in South Africa.
It comes as no surprise to find sincerity and courage are
two elements he regards to be the utmost importance in comedy.
His first performance was inspiring and his second dire. It’s
an addictive combination that as hooked many a prospective comedian. The interaction between comedian and audience
can best be descried as a relationship. The greatest pickup line in the world won’t
necessarily work the second time around and an audience differs from evening to
evening. Your first and foremost obligation is to ensure they remain in
stitches, however challenging the room is. Therein lies the reward and as Al jokingly
states: ” We’re seriously damaged people… The comics reward is the fact that he
gets attention, positive reinforcement…Not always sure what developmental stage
we’re stuck on, but it’s pretty much pre-pubescent!”
Comedy is the expression of personal opinion for
entertainment purposes. “The comic is given license to express some of people’s
vulnerabilities, some of that nasty dark side that we mutter under our breath. ”It’s the revolt of the little guy who’s thinking; “I should’ve said that.” The
comic gets the opportunity to do so on his behalf and it emboldens both parties
involved.
The value of comedy in South Africa is clear. Al feels
that the comments made by our comedians are perfectly socially and politically
relevant to where we are now. Bearing in mind that we come from an environment
we were not allowed to make certain sexual and political innuendoes; we might
even swing it too far, but the pendulum will correct itself.
He feels that the most exiting venues are those were people
are willing to find and explore their boundaries. To experience a sense of
communication and be ideologically challenged.
Al is quick to point out that some pre-conceived notions
still exist (aptly termed the Fake Outrage Brigade), but it’s the comedians job
to find the chink in the armour and shared experience that will instill laughter.
It’s clear his desire is for South Africans to be proud of
their identity and to develop it wholeheartedly. A certain youth leader merely
saying the word “hermaphrodite” becomes funny – the use of language and imagery
in South Africa
allows for great comedy even if it’s at times offensive and nonsensical. We do ourselves
a disservice if we dilute who we are and must always talk from our own
perspective allowing our voice to come to life. No surprise then that he is the
only SA comic directly associated with the Proudly South African Campaign.
When prompted about his influences, names like Lenny Bruce,
George Carlin and Bill Cosby fly around, but he remains in awe of local
trailblazers like Mel Miller and Pieter Dirk Uys – guys who re-wrote the rules.
He’d like to think he can also re-write some rules, but most for the time he’s
probably telling jokes about his genitals for beer money.
On asking how he thinks local comedy can develop his answer
is a very logical one. “Comedy
should be seen all over this fair country of ours, especially where you wont
expect it or where the dominee might warn against it. The goal is the growth of an audience willing
to laugh at experiences we all share.”
He leaves me with great wisdom: “It’s a privilege to have
that microphone in your hand. Best
you use it in a manner so that you can look at yourself in the mirror the next
morning!”
For more articles and information on Al Prodgers on SAMusic.co.za
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