Don Packett

Izimvo is honoured to introduce MC, Comedian and Speaker, Don Packett.

Don, who used to be an actual clown, is a local comedian who we have been following with a great deal of interest over recent months. Besides leaving audiences in hysterics, Don is also involved in Thunk – a company selling perspective.

Website: http://donpackett.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/donpackett
Latest Videos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dHrIHGLb_8
Location: Johannesburg

Don was kind enough to answer the following questions for us:

Personal

Q: The all important personal profile. How would a close friend introduce you at a social event?  i.e. Name, age, company, interesting fact etc.

A: This is a toughie, cos I have different context-relevant friends. One of my oldest and closest mates from school days intro’s me as “This is my famous friend, Don” (which doesn’t hurt with the ladies), while at tech/web/geek events most people would intro me as “@donpackett”, which is always funny. I intro myself as Don, plain and simple. To answer the above: I’m 29, I co-own a perspective lab called Thunk!, and I want to master every board sport on the planet.

Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from a phobia to your favorite movie.

A: I collect currency from all over the world, even special edition coins from SA. The idea is one day my great great great grandchildren can hopefully sell them for a wad of cash. Or laugh at how silly I was. Either way it’ll make them smile. My favourite movie of all time is Snatch. I’m lucky enough to have a framed authenticated film reel (four cells) from the original filming. It’s number 8 of 1000, and hanging on my wall at home. It’s okay, you’re allowed to be jealous.

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you want to get away from it all?

A: Besides getting naked? I really enjoy sitting quietly and watching people. Observing people, particularly in malls, is one of my favourite things to do. It’s mind-numbing and at the same time incredibly interesting.

Comedy in South Africa

Q: When starting out as a comedian, at what moment did you know this could be your career?

A: Hahaha. Comedy is definitely not my full-time career, I’d be living on a mate’s couch eating dry Weet-Bix for dinner if it was. I’ve been writing comedy for as long as I can remember, with no actual plan of making it happen. A collection of events (good and bad) drove my decision to call and book my first spot. Greatest thing I’ve ever done. For now it’s an awesome escape from reality and my chance to get in front of an audience and speak crap. Which I do. I love being on stage, so when it gets to a point when it can pay the bills, I’ll call myself a full-time comedian.

Q: What makes South African humor so unique and do you think that our comedy translates well for international audiences?

A: I haven’t tested it abroad to larger crowds yet, so I have no idea. I think South Africans have a great sense of humour. We love making fun of ourselves and the traditional SA stereotypes, which is awesome. I think comedy about the country you perform in always works well. If you can see the lighter side of the country you’re visiting, the locals appreciate it. You’ve taken time to understand what the country’s about, and can often see things that we take for granted, differently.

Q: Do you have any subjects that you will not use in your routine?

A: Once I tried a religious gag about a morning status meeting in heaven. After roll-call, Jesus tells his PR department that he has some excellent pics to share with the world like walking on water and turning water into wine, but now everyone on earth is using his crucifixion pics for all his PR, and it doesn’t make for a good Facebook profile pic. I got some complimentary giggles. I had to try it at least once, but no more religious jokes for me. For now. :)

Q: Being a comedian involves a lot of travel. Which 3 local comedians would you pick for a long road trip?

A: John Vlismas, Rob van Vuuren and Loyiso Gola. All 3 exceptional comedians, but more importantly, smart mo’fo’s.

Life in South Africa

Q: Have you or any of your immediate family been affected by crime? If yes, has it changed your perception of the country and the way you and your family live your lives?

A: In my first week living in Pretoria, after matriculating and living my whole life in Welkom in the Free State, I was mugged by two dudes with knives. It was my fault, ‘cos I was on my way back from the library. Served me right. It didn’t change my opinion of SA at all though. I was angry with the perps, no doubt, but every city in the world has crime, every place has it’s problems. If you keep emitting good energy, it should slowly start to spread. I love SA.

Q: Have you ever considered emigration? If yes, where do you think you would emigrate to?

A: I once looked into jobs in Australia, but realised it was full of Australians so I decided against it. Fuck ‘em.

Q: If you were South African president for just one day, what would you change?

A: I’d make a law that states that if you can’t prove that you make an actual contribution to society, and you’re not just leeching off the system, you can stay. The rest can all move to Vryheid.

Q: To which three attractions would you first take an international visitor?

A: It really depends how hot she is. But for a standard, platonic international visitor: An evening shebeen tour of Soweto, bungee at Bloukrans and Mavericks in Cape Town.

Life in Johannesburg

Q: Which stand up venue in or around Johannesburg is your personal favorite?

A: The Comedy Underground at Cool Runnings in Melville is incredible. The crowd is always open to new acts and new material and they’re generally an awesome bunch. It’s also where I started off, so I’ll never ever forget how they made me feel welcome enough to want to continue comedy. It’s like my comedy ’safe place’.

Q: When planning that perfect night out with that someone special, which restaurant would be your first choice?

A: Harrison’s on 12th used to be my winner, the evening would always end up, uh, fruitful. Now they’re closed, which sucks. I’m a big Thai fan. Kai Thai on Rabie Street has a spa too, so a light meal followed by a thorough massage will no doubt end your evening in nakedness. Good times.

General

Q: What are you going to buy yourself as a 40th birthday present?

A: A big fat something. I dunno what it is yet, but it’s gonna be awesome! You just wait and see. Awe. Some.

Q: If you were able to pick anyone as your mentor, who would it be and why?

A: I’m gonna cheat and choose two: Richard Mulholland and John Vlismas. Rich because, although we own a business together, he’s been doing it longer and is one smart dude. Not one person leaves after an interaction with him not having learnt something new or been inspired to do something awesome. John is not only one of the funniest people on the planet, but also one of the smartest. Go team.

Q: Where would you like to wake up tomorrow?

A: Medjumbe Island off the coast of Mozambique

Q: Are there any rituals that you follow before going on stage?

A: I listen to the most hardcore thrash/metal/rock music on my way to every gig. It clears my mind and pumps me up.

Q: Who would you most like to read about on Izimvo?

A: Julius Malema. His replies would be awesome. “What don’t people know about you?” “Ah, you see, many people probably don’t know that I am a firm believer in the process for change within our democratic society. Within these structural facilities that we are currently residing upon, we are certain that if we rid this country of racism and hermaphroditic phobias, then this democratic society will be one that we will strive to create as a system within not only our own democratic beliefs, but ones within that other people from other nations would also want to believe, because our democratic duty to the people of South Africa is one that cannot be ignored as a democratic society, and furthermore…” Beautiful.

Back in June, Don and friends made international headlines when a single prop plane collided head-on with a bakkie they were traveling in.

A huge thank you to Don for taking the time to answer our questions. Be sure to download Don’s wallpaper, said to officially be the worst in the world.