Reuben Kaye: From Death Threats to Artistic Director of Adelaide Cabaret Festival

Comedian and singer Reuben Kaye, 41, has been appointed artistic director of the Adelaide Cabaret Festival, scheduled for June. Kaye is also preparing for his solo "Hard to Swallow" tour, which addresses themes of fascism, Nazism, and techno-feudalism.

This appointment follows a 2023 incident in which Kaye received death threats after a comment made on the television program The Project, leading to police and counter-terrorism involvement.

Security Incidents and Response (2023)

Following a double entendre made on The Project in 2023, Kaye received death threats. Police swept the Enmore Theatre for explosives. Kaye and his management subsequently met with counter-terrorism police. Far-right Christian groups reportedly protested outside the theatre and Kaye's agent's office, with some participants chanting the Lord's Prayer.

In response to the threats, Kaye initiated a "welcome home" process for his audiences. He greeted attendees in the foyer with hugs to foster a safe environment. Security and police expressed reservations about these tactics. Minor disruptions occurred during some Australian shows. A more significant incident involved an audience member shouting during a performance on a cruise ship after Kaye mentioned Charlie Kirk.

"The minute you say you can't talk about things, then you give them too much power."

Career Background

Born Reuben Krum in Kew, Melbourne, Kaye adopted "Kaye" as his stage name in tribute to American performer Danny Kaye. His parents, of German and Russian descent and described as culturally Jewish, supported his artistic and queer identity. They divorced when Kaye was eight but maintained an amicable relationship.

Kaye described being bullied during his youth, contributing to a lingering sense of vulnerability despite his public persona. He stated he uses vulnerability as a strength in his comedy, recounting personal experiences such as being caught trying on dresses as a child, which led to the end of a friendship.

After struggling to secure performance opportunities in Australia, Kaye moved to London in the late 2000s at his brother's encouragement. He began performing in London's cabaret scene, notably at the Cellar Door, after an open mic night. His stage persona developed during the 2012-13 pantomime season, where he started wearing makeup as King Rat. Subsequent experimentation with makeup for a New Year's Eve hosting gig contributed to his career confidence. Kaye began his cabaret career in 2016 and has since shared the top prize at the Sydney Comedy Festival.

Artistic Vision and Role

Kaye has described his work as "angry cabaret," stating: "Everyone talks about queer joy, but queer joy is the reward. Queer rage is the engine." He believes the best comedy often originates from anger.

"Everyone talks about queer joy, but queer joy is the reward. Queer rage is the engine."

As artistic director of the Adelaide Cabaret Festival, Kaye stated he aims to balance attracting new audiences while retaining existing ones and to make the festival more accessible. He emphasized the importance of fostering new voices in cabaret, given the closure of many venues, and plans to establish a development arm to act as an incubator for talent.

Views on Australian Culture and Comedy

Kaye expressed a belief that Australia's "ingrained" sense of humor may act as a safeguard against political extremism. He stated that the "tall poppy syndrome" is incompatible with the "pomp and fanfare of fascism," suggesting Australians do not take themselves seriously enough to embrace Nazism.

On the nature of cabaret, Kaye described it as a "punk art form" that is inherently political and rule-breaking. He noted that venue closures and funding issues are challenges for the art form but observed increased acceptance and funding for cabaret in recent years. He stated that AI does not directly threaten cabaret but threatens the broader artistic community.

On risk in comedy, Kaye said: "Anything's up for grabs — it's just how you do it... the minute you say you can't talk about things, then you give them too much power."