Try GOLD - Free
Laughter to liberation: Conrad Koch talks ‘Puppet Power’ and comedy’s role in tough times
Cape Argus
|July 23, 2025
CATCH Puppet Power, the national tour by comedy duo Conrad Koch and Chester Missing, which is coming to The Drama Factory this week.
Ahead of the show, Independent Media Lifestyle caught up with Koch to unpack his journey in the industry, especially with his sociopolitical commentary that has left Mzansi in stitches.
When asked how the evolution of current affairs-driven comedy influenced his latest show, Puppet Power, he said: “With the rise of TikTok and other high-reach, high-impact social media, we as comedians have tools we never dreamed of.
“And in this watershed moment in history as far as conversations on race and colonialism globally and in SA, and the influence of the billionaire class turning even Donald Trump and Cyril Ramaphosa into puppets of sorts, the question of power, and in particular ‘Puppet Power’ has never been more relevant.”
This story is from the July 23, 2025 edition of Cape Argus.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM Cape Argus
Cape Argus
City's waste management staff face alarming surge in hijackings
FRONTLINE Urban Waste Management staff in Cape Town are facing an alarming surge of hijackings and violent attacks, putting their lives at risk and disrupting essential waste collection services relied upon by hundreds of thousands of residents.
2 mins
October 10, 2025
Cape Argus
'Sending you love from Gaza': Palestinians hail ceasefire deal
PALESTINIANS in southern Gaza clapped, cheered and danced in the predawn darkness yesterday, after Israel and Hamas agreed a ceasefire deal to end the devastating two-year war in the territory.
2 mins
October 10, 2025
Cape Argus
World’s oldest leader tipped for 8th term in Cameroon vote
CAMEROON’S Paul Biya, already the world’s oldest head of state, is the favourite to win Sunday’s presidential election, handing him an eighth term in power in the central African country.
2 mins
October 10, 2025
Cape Argus
Merz to host talks with Germany’s auto sector
CHANCELLOR Friedrich Merz was yesterday expected to host crisis talks with German auto industry leaders ina bid to navigate myriad challenges, from a looming EU combustion-engine ban to growing Chinese competition.
2 mins
October 10, 2025
Cape Argus
Providing financial literacy and digital skills for a new generation
MZANSI Business Services and Mzansi Empowerment Academy are on a mission to empower small businesses and young professionals, helping them thrive through financial education and digital skills.
1 mins
October 10, 2025
Cape Argus
Zimbabwe focussed on AFCON as Nees dismisses 'party crasher' role
HEAD coach Michael Nees has made it clear that Zimbabwe's Warriors are not looking to spoil anyone else's World Cup dreams — their focus is on preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations.
1 mins
October 10, 2025
Cape Argus
Hawks intercept drug mules at Cape Town International
THE Hawks have made two significant busts at Cape Town International Airport, where drug mules hid more than R2 million worth narcotics inside a suitcase and shirt.
1 mins
October 10, 2025
Cape Argus
Experts raise alarm over safety concerns at Koeberg
THE Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (Safcei) is sounding the alarm over Eskom’s controversial plans regarding the Koeberg Nuclear Power Plant, as discussions heat up around a potential 20-year licence extension for Unit 2. Experts, including Safcei’s Executive Director Francesca de Gasparis, argue that the National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) is poised to approve the extension based on absent, outdated, and incomplete safety data - a decision that they claim violates the spirit and letter of South Africa's nuclear safety regulations.
1 mins
October 10, 2025
Cape Argus
Bok power and the rise of Feinberg-Mngomezulu
HOW about this for a fixture that would rival a World Cup final — the British and Irish Lions versus a Rugby Championship Dream Team?
3 mins
October 10, 2025
Cape Argus
Baartman called up from Proteas wilderness
PROTEAS fast bowler Kwena Maphaka will undergo rehabilitation over the next four weeks after MRI scans revealed a Grade 1-2 hamstring injury.
2 mins
October 10, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size