Rabinowitz probes his Jewish roots – unfiltered, unplugged and somewhat unhinged

Nik Rabinowitz has been making South African audiences snigger, snort and splutter – mainly at themselves – for a quarter of a century.

But what is the backstory of this curious hybrid creature – a Jewish, isiXhosa-speaking, Waldorf-educated funnyman? All is revealed in Mountain Jew, Rabinowitz’s latest comedy venture, back for a short return season at Sandton’s Theatre on the Square.

With his typical self-deprecating humour, sprinkled with a few blush-inducing expletives and below-the-belt references, Rabinowitz tracks his multi-branched family tree from Lithuania to Namaqualand to Krugersdorp and beyond, aided by digital projections of old photos and clippings.

His is a fascinating story, peppered with comic observations and sharp insights. While delving into his own heritage, he unearths universal human truths about the complex nature of personal identity and how we are moulded not just by our genes but also by our upbringing, environment and choices.

Despite his unorthodox upbringing as a “hippie nature child” born to a war hero potter dad who was twice the age of his wife, Rabinowitz is well versed in Jewish traditions. But don’t expect a praise poem to any religion.

On the contrary, while tracing his own roots, he gleefully pokes and prods at Jewish and South African stereotypes, his almost manic energy lifting the audience on tidal waves of laughter for more than an hour.

Part love letter, part social satire, Mountain Jew is an uproarious (and very much unfiltered) balm for sore eyes and jaded ears.

Catch Mountain Jew at the Theatre on the Square at Nelson Mandela Square until 30 August 2026. Tickets are available through Webtickets.