Reuben Kaye Named Artistic Director of Adelaide Cabaret Festival
Comedian and cabaret artist Reuben Kaye, now artistic director of the Adelaide Cabaret Festival, spoke about his philosophy on comedy, his queer identity, and his vision for the festival. Kaye gained notoriety in 2023 after a joke about Jesus on The Project prompted an apology from hosts, hundreds of regulatory complaints, and death threats that forced him to cancel shows. He argues that no topic is off-limits in comedy and sees cabaret as an inherently political and punk art form capable of reaching new audiences.
In an interview with ABC Australia, Reuben Kaye — newly appointed artistic director of the Adelaide Cabaret Festival — reflected on a decade-long career marked by both critical acclaim and public controversy. Kaye, who recently shared the top prize at the Sydney Comedy Festival, described his vision for the festival as a 'love letter' to Adelaide, aiming to balance programming for established audiences while attracting younger and newer attendees. He pushed back against the perception of cabaret as elite entertainment, calling it a 'punk art form' with its 'middle finger up at the establishment.' On the question of comedic limits, Kaye was unequivocal: anything can be joked about, provided it is done with the right sensitivity, viewpoint, and intelligence. He also spoke candidly about growing up queer in the 1990s, the generational loss caused by the AIDS crisis, and what it means to now serve as a kind of elder figure for younger LGBTQ+ artists. Regarding AI, he warned it threatens the broader artistic ecosystem on which cabaret depends, while noting that forward-looking cabaret artists are already incorporating technology into their work. The Kaye Hole is scheduled to perform at the Adelaide Festival Centre as part of the Adelaide Cabaret Festival on June 20.
What's missing
The interview does not detail the specific terms or scope of Kaye's contract as artistic director, nor does it address the festival's budget or how his appointment was received by the broader arts community.
What different sources said
- ABC AustraliaCenter
Reuben Kaye reckons you can joke about anything — 'it's just how you do it'
Related
David Hockney, Celebrated British Artist, Dies at 88
British artist David Hockney has died at the age of 88, prompting reflection on his prolific career and his final creative years spent in Normandy, France. Known for his iconic California swimming pool paintings, Hockney spent the Covid-19 lockdowns in rural France, producing 220 iPad drawings that were exhibited as a 91-metre-long frieze at the Musée de L'Orangerie in Paris. His death marks the loss of one of the most influential and technically adventurous artists of the 20th and 21st centuries.
America at 250: Conservative Voices Debate the State of Higher Education and Shared Culture
Two opinion pieces published ahead of America's 250th anniversary argue that foundational American ideals are under threat — one focusing on the ideological drift of universities away from merit and civic education, the other on the erosion of a common national culture that once bridged class divides. Both pieces are written from a conservative perspective and appear in right-leaning outlets. The arguments reflect a broader debate about what American institutions should preserve or restore as the nation marks a major milestone.
North Melbourne Holds On for One-Point Win Over West Coast as Waterman Hits the Post in Final Seconds
North Melbourne defeated West Coast Eagles 10.14 (74) to 10.13 (73) at Optus Stadium on Saturday, with Eagles forward Jake Waterman hitting the post from a set shot with 42 seconds remaining. The Kangaroos led by 20 points early in the final quarter before West Coast kicked the last three goals in a dramatic fightback driven by Jobe Shanahan. The result leaves West Coast at 4-10 heading into the bye, while North Melbourne improves to 6-7 and remains in the wildcard race.