Ian Fraser (playwright)

Ian Fraser (born 18 April 1962) is a South African playwright, writer, comedian, anti-Apartheid activist, artist, anarchist, and social agitator, now living in the USA.

His comedic work has been compared with that of Americans Lenny Bruce and Bill Hicks, and his dramatic writing to that of Charles Bukowski, William Burroughs, and Tom Stoppard.

[citation needed] Born Brent Haupt, Fraser did not finish high school or complete any formal training.

Fraser's experiences in the South African Defence Force provided much of the background for his first novel, published by Penguin Books (My Own Private Orchestra, ISBN 0-14-023050-5).

This short work stands as one of the harshest satiric attacks ever on the ruling African National Congress government and Deputy President Jacob Zuma.

The government was not amused, and only timely intervention by the Freedom of Expression Institute[4] on Fraser's behalf prevented charges of treason and sedition.