 Q&A:John Vlismas
Comedian
Q: I’ve wondered if comedians care about what mobile phones they buy. What do you own and why did you go for it?
A: Yup, some comedians do like to have fancy phones, and some prefer the cheapest ones, so when they lose it, it's not too big a deal. I have an iPhone, which is really not the most practical for the amount of mail I get through. I should use a BlackBerry, I just struggle to accept their OS.
Q: Have you ever gotten inspiration from technology for any of your gigs?
A: Sure, you know, Google is a secret super weapon between acts. Kindle is about to make my library shrink so it can travel with me, and Mac apps for AV are going to make stage shows and online comedy content much more textured going forward.
Q: What do you think life would be like in South Africa without technology?
A: A little slower, less urgent, and perhaps we would go back to a more natural rhythm. Technology is great, but it does convince us that we are beyond ourselves.
Q: Who was the first person to tell you that you’re funny and to pursue stand-up comedy?
A: I discovered humour while trying to find a way to communicate with girls when I was a tubby, awkward kid. As far as a career goes, it was something that just happened.
Q: Do you think BlackBerry is racially insensitive? What should it change its name to?
A: No, it's not. Sadly, we live in a world where having issues in theory is more important than real life. We've become an armchair generation and we need our arses kicked and fires lit under them.
Q: It’s the Fifa World Cup opening and you’ve been invited to do a five-minute gig. What would be your opening line, bearing in mind that billions are watching worldwide? No pressure.
A: I wouldn't perform for Fifa. It's fraud and fascism when a government changes their legislation for a corporate entity at the expense of locals. We're about to lock up homeless people so we don't bum out the tourists. These are citizens of the most liberal country on earth, and we're taking their rights away for a sponsorship deal? Screw those people, I'm a South African, not a Fifa fan.
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