Riaad Moosa for the BarackA

He's not running for president (yet), but this qualified medical doctor-cum-magician-cum-stand-up comic is standing on the brink of a brave, terrifying and exciting new world, not unlike US President Barack Obama.

Moosa, you see, recently became a father. Running a country - even the largest democracy in the world - is nothing compared to having a tiny, demanding Mini-Me dictator in the house to contend with!

The adventures and misadventures, the pitfalls and pratfalls, of child-rearing in a changing geopolitical landscape form the theme of Riaad Moosa for the Baracka, which runs at the Fringe at the Joburg Theatre (formerly known as the Civic Theatre) for two weeks from 30 June to 12 July 2009.

In the show, Moosa grapples with raising his son in a world that appears to be on the brink of disaster - and that's not even counting the domestic woes of sleep deprivation, psychological torture and marital strife…….it's a blessing.

Moosa, one of the country's most popular and acclaimed funnymen with a style all his own, is known as “the Comedy Doctor”, and he certainly seems to have the remedy for the nation's ills at the moment: a healthy dose of laughter, straight up - hold the aspirin.

Having previously packed out the Civic with his one-man show Strictly Halaal, he has gone on to play to sold-out houses across the country, and last year appeared in the hit show 3 Wise Men alongside Marc Lottering and Nik Rabinowitz, directed by David Kramer.

“Obama told the world that it was time for change, but unfortunately the only changing that we've been doing lately is of dirty nappies,” laments Moosa.

Riyadh Peer who heads up Converse in South Africa is happy to be part of this event, “Converse is a brand renowned worldwide for pushing the envelope when it comes to cutting-edge youth trends. Riaad Moosa is ahead of the pack when it comes to local comedy that challenges the status quo. So it only makes sense for us to support this show, which will make audiences sit up, think and laugh until they roll in the aisles.”

Catch Converse Presents Riaad Moosa for the Baracka, Tuesday to Sundays,at the Fringe at the Joburg Theatre from 30 June for a two-week season. Tickets cost R150 from Computicket (www.computicket.com)