Twice the laughs, twice the challenge for Rizal

Malaysian comedian Rizal van Geyzel is set to bring double the laughs to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, performing two solo shows daily for almost a month. Known for his provocative stand-up routines, Rizal aims to challenge himself and come out on the other side stronger and more resilient. His two shows, "Arrested" and "Single Fatherhood," delve into his personal experiences following his 2022 arrest and sedition investigation, as well as the challenges of single fatherhood.

Despite the deeply personal nature of the material, Rizal insists his shows will not be heavy on politics, focusing instead on resilience and the light at the end of the tunnel. He believes his Malaysian humor will travel well and attract audiences worldwide, as it speaks to universal experiences of family and life. Rizal looks forward to the blank canvas that Edinburgh presents, as he gets to start fresh with international audiences who may not be familiar with his background or Malaysia.

To stay motivated, he relies on hydration, sleep, and a pep talk from an Australian comedy veteran, repeating the mantra "I'm excited to be here" before each performance.