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The comedy world, like many entertainment industries, has historically centered certain voices while leaving others on the periphery. For Sasha Merci and Glorelys Mora, two Dominican American comedians, that lack of representation wasn’t just a professional frustration—it was a cultural gap. It sparked a vision to create a dedicated space for Dominican comedians, leading to the birth of “Morir Soñando,” a comedy show that’s quickly becoming a vital platform for a historically underrepresented community. The initiative isn’t simply about getting laughs; it’s about reclaiming narratives and celebrating a rich cultural heritage through humor.
Merci, a first-generation Dominican American actor and comedian, recalls a shared experience with Mora—the difficulty of gaining traction in a comedy scene that often overlooked their unique perspectives. “We spent hours discussing how difficult it was to gain support and recognition in an industry that often overlooks voices like ours,” she explains. This frustration, coupled with a deep love for Dominican culture, fueled their determination to build something new. The name “Morir Soñando,” which translates to “dying dreaming,” encapsulates the bittersweet reality of pursuing aspirations, a sentiment deeply resonant within the Dominican experience.
Finding a Voice in a Landscape Often Defined by Others
The demand for “Morir Soñando” stems from a broader issue within the American comedy landscape. Merci points out that stand-up comedy is often perceived through a binary lens—Black or white—leaving little room for nuanced representation of other communities. “As an American, I embrace my Blackness, but what about my parents’ Dominican identity and my upbringing at home?” she asks. This question highlights the pressure faced by many Dominican artists to assimilate or compromise their cultural identity to gain acceptance. The show aims to challenge that expectation, creating a space where comedians can explore their experiences authentically, without the need to code-switch or dilute their heritage.
This struggle for authentic representation isn’t new. Merci recalls being deeply moved when she first saw Aida Rodriguez on “Last Comic Standing” in 2014, recognizing a shared experience in Rodriguez’s performance. Rodriguez’s memoir, “Legitimate Kid,” further cemented this connection, illustrating the power of seeing oneself reflected on stage. However, Merci likewise realized that Rodriguez’s presence was an exception, not the rule, underscoring the systemic underrepresentation within the industry.
Comedy as a Tool for Healing and Connection
Beyond representation, “Morir Soñando” recognizes the inherent power of comedy as a coping mechanism and a tool for healing. Merci speaks candidly about her own experiences with depression and how humor provided a lifeline during difficult times. “I sometimes joke about being emotionally constipated. What I indicate by that is I don’t recognize how to cry, but I do know how to make a joke about it,” she shares. This ability to find levity in pain is a common thread within Dominican culture, a way of processing trauma and building resilience.
The show’s impact extends beyond individual healing. Merci emphasizes the communal aspect of laughter, its ability to connect people regardless of background. She notes that making jokes about difficult experiences, like growing up with a parent’s infidelity, can be incredibly cathartic, not only for the comedian but also for audience members who may share similar stories. As Sasha Merci discussed with Popsugar, comedy can be a powerful tool for mental health, offering a way to address sensitive topics with levity and vulnerability.
Building a Platform and Facing Challenges
Launched in 2019, “Morir Soñando” quickly gained momentum, showcasing the talent and diversity within the Dominican comedy scene. In 2023, the show made history with a performance at the United Palace in New York City, as reported by Popsugar, a testament to the growing demand for this type of representation. This year, the show is returning to the United Palace, expanding to the main theater, which seats up to 3,350 people, for its November performance.
However, the journey hasn’t been without its obstacles. Securing funding for Latine events remains a significant challenge, forcing Merci and Mora to largely self-finance the project. This financial burden reflects broader systemic issues of representation and support for minority communities in the arts. Despite these hurdles, the success of past shows and the increasing audience support provide a strong foundation for future growth. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over 62.6 million people of Hispanic or Latino origin lived in the United States in 2022, demonstrating a substantial and growing audience for culturally relevant content.
“Morir Soñando” is more than just a comedy show; it’s a cultural movement, a celebration of Dominican identity, and a powerful statement about the importance of inclusivity in the entertainment industry. The show’s continued success hinges on community support, a collective effort to uplift underrepresented voices and create a more equitable landscape for all. The next show is scheduled for July 26th, with the larger November performance already in the planning stages.
We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences with representation in comedy. What does authentic storytelling mean to you? Let us know in the comments below.
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