Raybon Kan: Vegetable Of The Arts

Raybon Kan Is…
The International Vegetable Of The Arts

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You've seen him on telly, you've heard him on radio, you've read his national newspaper columns, and you may have even seen his recent feature film Diagnosis Death. Now Raybon Kan returns to the New Zealand Fringe Festival with his new comedy show Vegetable of the Arts.

The show contains all-new material developed for five performances at the New Zealand Fringe Festival, 9-13 February at Fringe Bar, corner Cuba and Vivian Streets.

Raybon turns his sharp wit toward the world of the Arts, from the perspective of someone who doesn’t know a lot about them – and so tends to distrust them.

Among the targets are current movie fads Avatar and the Twilight series ("wanting a vampire for a boyfriend says a lot about human psychology, as does plugging your ponytail into an animal you want to ride," he says. "The implications concern me") as well as Raybon's quick-fire solutions to all the world's problems.

But he is inspired by the cartoon-cum-movie Avatar: "I'm inspired by it. Actually, I'll be doing my whole show in 3D. It'll almost seem like I'm right there."

Armed with brand new material, Raybon's Fringe 2010 performances are among the best of a bumper crop of comedy shows in the festival. One of the first festivals he ever took part in was the NZ Fringe, more than 10 years ago. This time round, Raybon considers the Fringe an ideal opportunity to continue experimenting with his comedic voice to develop it in new directions.

"I used to think I was my own worst critic. Until I read the reviews. I wasn't even close."

Raybon has come a long way since the early days of tepid reviews, now blossoming – like a flower that may or may not also be a vegetable – into one of New Zealand's most recognisable and successful comedians.

No stranger to the screen and the stage, Raybon was named New Zealand's best comedian by North and South Magazine and has performed around the world including the Melbourne Comedy Festival, Montreal Comedy Festival and the Edinburgh Fringe.

"He performs a great set with natural flair and confidence." 3 Weeks, Edinburgh 2009.

"An hour of amiable, confident stand-up" Chortle, UK 2009.

Raybon Kan: International Vegetable of the Arts

February 9 to 13, 8pm
The Fringe Bar, cnr Cuba and Vivian Streets
Tickets: bookings@downstage.co.nz or 04 801 6946

ENDS

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