Dominican Comedians Create Space for Latine Voices with ‘Morir Soñando’

The comedy landscape is shifting, and a novel voice is rising – or rather, a chorus of them. Driven by a desire for authentic representation, comedians Sasha Merci and Glorelys Mora have spearheaded “Morir Soñando,” the first all-Dominican comedy show, a venture born from both necessity and a deep-seated love for their culture. The project, which began taking shape in 2019, is gaining momentum, with recent successes and ambitious plans for expansion.

A Shared Experience, A Singular Vision

The genesis of “Morir Soñando” – which translates to “dying dreaming” – wasn’t about seeking the spotlight, but filling a void. Merci recounts in a recent Popsugar interview, her instant connection with Mora stemmed from a shared frustration. Both emerging comedians found it demanding to gain traction in an industry that often overlooked Dominican voices. “We spent hours discussing how difficult it was to gain support and recognition in an industry that often overlooks voices like ours,” Merci explained. This realization sparked a vision: a dedicated platform to elevate Dominican comedians and celebrate their unique perspectives.

Merci’s own journey highlights the require for such a platform. She describes a childhood marked by loneliness and depression, finding solace and connection through humor. “I sometimes joke about being emotionally constipated,” she shared, “What I mean by that is I don’t know how to cry, but I do know how to craft a joke about it.” This ability to transform pain into laughter, to apply comedy as “medicine with candy,” became a cornerstone of her approach and a driving force behind “Morir Soñando.”

Navigating Identity and Representation

The creation of “Morir Soñando” isn’t simply about adding another voice to the comedy scene; it’s about challenging the existing framework. Merci points out the often-binary nature of American stand-up comedy – frequently framed as either Black or white – and the struggle to navigate her own identity as a Dominican American. “Should I shut down that part of me to be more palatable for the ‘mainstream’?” she asks, articulating a question many artists from underrepresented backgrounds face.

This question resonated with Merci, who found inspiration in Aida Rodriguez, a Dominican comedian who appeared on “Last Comic Standing” in 2014. Seeing Rodriguez on a national stage was a pivotal moment, demonstrating the power of representation and highlighting the lack of it. “It wasn’t until I became a comedian that I realized how underrepresented we are,” Merci noted.

Building a Community, Facing Challenges

“Morir Soñando” aims to fill a similar role for the Dominican community as Def Comedy Jam did for Black American comedians – a space for honest, raw, and relatable humor. The show isn’t intended to exclude other nationalities, but rather to create a haven for Dominican talent and foster connections with audiences who may not have known they existed. With over 42 million Spanish speakers in the United States, the potential audience is substantial.

The journey hasn’t been without obstacles. Securing financial support for Latine events is notoriously difficult, forcing Merci and Mora to largely self-finance the project. This reflects broader issues of representation and support for minority communities in the arts. Despite these challenges, the show’s success – including a historic performance at the United Palace in 2023 – demonstrates the demand for this type of platform. They are returning to the United Palace for a show on July 26, and have secured the main theater, which seats up to 3,350, for a November performance.

Beyond the Stage: A Movement for Inclusivity

“Morir Soñando” is more than just a comedy show; it’s a cultural celebration, a platform for underrepresented voices, and a movement towards greater inclusivity in the comedy world. Merci emphasizes the importance of community support in sustaining and growing the project. She acknowledges the frustrations of securing funding, finding suitable venues, and battling stereotypes, but views these obstacles as fuel for their continued efforts.

Glorelys Mora too recently appeared in a roast battle at the New York Comedy Club, as seen on YouTube, further showcasing her comedic talent and growing profile. She also had a standup set at the Netflix Is A Joke Fest in 2024, covering topics like dating and family dynamics, as highlighted in her Netflix Is A Joke Fest introduction.

Looking ahead, the success of “Morir Soñando” hinges on continued community engagement, and support. The team is actively seeking sponsorships and partnerships to expand their reach and create even more opportunities for Dominican comedians. The future of the show isn’t just about laughs; it’s about building a more inclusive and representative comedy landscape for generations to come.