Finding a Voice: How Dominican Comedians are Building Their Own Platform
The comedy world can be a challenging space for underrepresented voices. For Dominican comedians,gaining support and recognition frequently enough feels like an uphill battle. This shared experience sparked a connection between emerging comedians Glorelys Mora and Sasha Merci, leading them to create something vital: morir Soñando, a platform dedicated to elevating Dominican voices in comedy.
Merci explains that Morir Soñando was born out of a necessity to fill a gap in representation. While the comedy scene is diverse, authentic Dominican perspectives were frequently enough missing. The platform aims to provide a space where these stories can be told “unapologetically.”
For Merci, comedy isn’t just about getting laughs; it’s a powerful tool for connection and healing. She jokes about being “emotionally constipated” – unable to cry, but able to find humor even in pain. “Laughter grounds the moment and transcends people’s identity and status,” she says, describing comedy as “feeding medicine with candy,” bringing awareness to arduous topics with levity. it’s a sentiment echoed by other comedians who’ve found solace and strength through humor, navigating challenges like depression, loss, and trauma.
Growing up, humor was a lifeline for Merci, combating feelings of loneliness and isolation.Sharing personal experiences, even painful ones like being the child of an affair, through comedy allows her to connect with others and lessen the burden of those experiences. It’s a reminder that you’re not alone.
Comedy also runs deep within Merci’s family,serving as a crucial method of processing trauma. Discovering Aida Rodriguez on “Last Comic Standing” in 2014 was a pivotal moment, offering a rare glimpse of relatable representation. It highlighted the industry’s underrepresentation and forced a crucial question: assimilate to fit existing molds, or forge a new path? In a comedy landscape often framed as “Black or white,” Merci and Morir Soñando are actively choosing the latter, paving the way for a more inclusive and authentic future in comedy.
