The Art of Laughter Stand-Up Show Features the Biggest Names in South African Comedy

The Art of Laughter is a night of stand-up comedy featuring the best South African comedians at the Goethe-Institut. On Thursday, 30 October 2025, the institute will host the finale of what has been a tremendous three leg series. Here’s what you need to know about the show.

The Art of Laughter Mpho Popps and Thabiso Mhlongo | What's on in Joburg — Mpho Popps and Thabiso Mhlongo

The Art of Laughter boasts a lineup of stars

Hosted by Mo Mothebe, The Art of Laughter show will include the breakthrough voice on the South African comedy scene, Thabiso Mhlongo and will be headlined by the man of many faces and laughs, Mpho Popps Modikoane.

Tshireletso “Mo” Mothebe is a young Pretoria raised but now Johannesburg based comedian who’s a refreshing voice on the local comedy scene. His comedic topics range from his past relationships, race and daily observations. This tranquil young comic has a passion for stand-up comedy and has constantly left audiences yearning for more.

A comedian, actor, businessman, cool dad extraordinaire, Mpho ‘Popps’ Modikoane is so much more than meets the eye. Popps has the ability to take real-life situations and make them relatable and personal through his humour. He combines an intellectual wit with plug-in pop.

Finally, comedy sensation Thabiso Mhlongo is a professional stand-up comedian whose calmness and storytelling continues to captivate audiences all over Johannesburg and South Africa. He describes his style as alternative and funny, conversational with a touch of genius, and versatile.

Cost: R200pp, book via Quicket

When: Thursday, 30 October 2025 from 7pm to 9pm
Where: Goethe-Institut South Africa, 119 Jan Smuts Ave, Parkwood, Johannesburg

What's on in Joburg Goethe-Institut Art of laughter Mo Mothebe — Mo Mothebe

More about the Goethe-Institut

The Goethe-Institut aims to cultivate international and local cultural exchange through the arts, sciences and languages. With over 100 institutes worldwide, and 14 in the sub-Saharan region, including the one in Johannesburg, the Goethe-Institut is committed to fostering transnational diversity, understanding and trust.

The Johannesburg institute’s Language department offers German lessons in the Goethe-Institut and otherwise, supporting German teachers in the country and working closely with the South African Department of Education.

Their Library and Information Department works in partnership with libraries and other institutions involved in book and reading promotion in South Africa and encourages exchanges between information specialists and publishers in South Africa, sub-Saharan Africa and Germany.

And their Cultural Programmes Department focuses on a variety of different artistic approaches from the visual arts to drama, dance, literature, film, and others to support the local cultural scenes and strengthen pan-African dialogue through the arts.