(CNN) -- Armed with big grins and risque humor, South African standup comedians Nik Rabinowitz and Tats Nkonzo take to the stage at Cape Town's Baxter Theater. "We would like to dedicate this song to all the black people in the audience -- I can only see one," says Rabinowitz. "I see three of us tonight," quickly adds Nkonzo, with the audience bursting into laughter. Over the next hour, the two South African comedians -- one white, one black -- will deliver their own brand of comedy, using an arsenal of jokes to stir up stigmas and stereotypes in a nation striving to come to terms with its racist past.
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Nik Rabinowitz and Tats Nkonzo are two South African stand-up comedians
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They are using laughter to help people accept uncomfortable truths
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Race, religion, polygamy and well-known politicians are all included in their act
Tats Nkonzo
Nkonzo
Tats Nkonzo
"I have a polygamy gag where I talk about, I wonder what love songs a polygamist sings to their wives, because there are no love songs that cater to polygamists," said @placeholder, a rising star in South Africa's comedy circuit, who often incorporates music and singing to his performance.
Nik Rabinowitz
Rabinowitz
Nik Rabinowitz
A much-loved impersonator, @placeholder has a loyal fan base from all around South Africa.
South African
South African
South African
His comedy career started after he joined a theater company traveling around @placeholder in his post-university years.
Tats Nkonzo
Nkonzo
Tats Nkonzo
In his latest show, he shares the stage with up-and-coming @placeholder, who started his career three years ago after taking part in a reality TV show for comics.