Twice the laughs, twice the challenge for Rizal

Malaysian comedian Rizal van Geyzel will be performing two solo shows each day at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland for nearly a month. This is no easy feat, as Rizal aims to come out of the experience stronger, more resilient, and more "match-fit" as a comedian. His shows, "Arrested" and "Single Fatherhood," delve into his personal experiences following a 2022 arrest and sedition investigation over jokes made during a comedy set, as well as the aftermath of those events through the lens of family, fatherhood, and starting over.

Despite the deeply personal nature of his material, Rizal insists that his shows should not be heavy or political, focusing instead on resilience in challenging times and the universal experiences that make for funny moments. Rizal's ability to connect with international audiences has made him a regular performer at the Edinburgh Fringe, where he can offer a glimpse into Malaysian culture to those unfamiliar with it, while still giving non-Malaysians a context for the jokes.

The comedian acknowledges the challenge of performing for audiences unfamiliar with Malaysian culture, but finds the Edinburgh audience particularly exciting due to its diverse, "campur" mix of people. His survival strategy for the intense schedule involves staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and a mental trick: telling himself he's excited to be there, even if he doesn't fully believe it.