Watching comedians carry out below the thumb of a authorities that’s actively attacking swaths of its inhabitants is nothing new for Angelo Colina.
The 31-year-old joke teller was born and raised within the Venezuelan metropolis of Maracaibo because the South American nation confronted steady political turmoil below the extended presidencies of Hugo Chavez and Nicolás Maduro, amongst different financial, humanitarian and democratic challenges — reminiscent of hyperinflation, elevated charges of hunger and decreased entry to satisfactory healthcare providers.
Colina — who carved a lane within the Americas as a Spanish-language comic and has garnered thousands and thousands of views throughout social media attributable to his whip-smart jokes and playful crowd work — left his residence nation at 21 and commenced pursuing a comedy profession after shifting to the neighboring Colombia.
It was the audacity of Venezuelan acts — like Nacho Redondo, Led Varela, Erika de la Vega and Luis Chataing, who spoke out in opposition to oppressive authorities rule — that impressed Colina and knowledgeable his worldview.
“As somebody who grew up watching [them] carry out and doing jokes in regards to the authorities in Venezuela whereas they nonetheless may, that was my instance,” Colina informed The Instances. “They actually fought censorship so long as they might.”
As a self-described “double immigrant,” first to Colombia and subsequently Salt Lake Metropolis, the New York-based comic mentioned he felt as if he’s already lived 4 lives — all of which have helped form his comedian eye and sharpened his observational expertise.
The present political local weather, the continued creative acceptance of Latino artwork within the U.S. and the continuing Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids all through the nation had been on the high of thoughts as Colina spoke with The Instances forward of his Oct. 11 efficiency on the Hollywood Improv.
This interview has been edited and shortened for readability.
What has it been like doing comedy exhibits for a Spanish-speaking crowd within the time of ICE raids?
I begin my exhibits by saying, “We’re doing comedy. You guys usually are not noticing, however we’re doing comedy in Spanish. In the US in 2025. That is the closest to punk that we’ve ever been.” And other people begin laughing about it, as a result of [federal officials] backed up by the regulation to say that should you converse Spanish, then they will ask about your present immigration standing. And it’s like, all proper, let’s converse Spanish. We’re not doing something improper. We’re simply celebrating our tradition in each present we do.
Do you want the concept of being somewhat punk?
I feel it simply grew to become that; it was extra natural. I wasn’t pondering that I’m half of a bigger motion that began by different folks of doing comedy in Spanish, which has all the time been and it’s definitely been a cool factor to me, however now it’s counterculture for positive. However I don’t want to ask folks to my present as a result of it’s counterculture, that’s not the rationale why I wish to promote. Individuals have been freely celebrating being Latino for years already and I don’t suppose there’s any approach to cease it, truthfully.
Have you ever felt a change in your viewers in any respect in current months?
Sadly, I’ve. I do, nevertheless, have to provide a shout-out to all of the non-Latinos coming to the exhibits. They’re coming as a result of they wish to see a type of Latinidad in its personal rhythm and they’re in love with our tradition and so they come and so they assist it.
I see the hesitance to come back to exhibits much more with people who used to come back with their dad and mom. Lots of people born within the States, however with immigrants dad and mom, used to come back to my exhibits. My exhibits have all the time been a spot the place folks lastly can do one thing with their dad and mom. Usually, they don’t discover lots of actions the place they will share one thing like that. So their dad and mom are actually those which might be quicker on the joke and they’re those which might be catching up. It’s all the time been a part of my entire demographic.
That’s the shift I’ve been seeing. Lots of people have reached out to me and mentioned, “I’d like to go to your present, however I don’t suppose it’s a good suggestion proper now.” I acquired lots of Venezuelans coming to my exhibits and saying, “That is the final present I’m going to within the States. I’m leaving subsequent week. I acquired a deportation letter.” I acquired screenshots of it and so they’re saying they’ll see me in Colombia or Argentina. It’s been fairly emotional. Truthfully, this may be the primary time I really get emotional speaking about it, however it’s harm a bit.
It have to be good for the viewers to have that point at your present to be who they’re, however are you addressing the craziness of every part in your act?
I’m not pretending that’s not occurring on the market. Comedy gave me the chance to turn into a resident in the US. I acquired my visa due to the folks coming to my exhibits. It could be disgraceful for me to not discuss what’s occurring or to not at the least attempt to be of assist, even when it’s by making folks chuckle.
Has it been tough navigating the U.S. comedy scene as a completely Spanish act?
I’d say coping with the business could be more durable generally due to the dearth of consciousness of how highly effective Latino crowds could be. Fortunately, it’s altering a bit due to musicians like Unhealthy Bunny and Karol. The whole lot artists like them have completed has made folks organizing exhibits say, “Hmm, let’s see. Perhaps I received’t give the Spanish act a Tuesday night time slot. Let me strive them on a Thursday or Friday night time or a Sunday.” After which they see the room packed and other people spending cash, simply having a good time.
I complained loads in regards to the business final 12 months and now I’m in a section the place I simply wish to do that for my folks for so long as I can. I’m simply having fun with with the ability to carry out.
How has it been seeing Latinos within the U.S. additional embrace Spanish-language content material?
It’s not solely Latinos; folks from all backgrounds are concerned with our tradition. In L.A., lots of Latinos that had been born right here didn’t have the prospect to study Spanish or observe it as a lot, however they love the tradition. You additionally see lots of people which might be non-Latino at my present as a result of they’re concerned with Spanish.
It’s like music. There’s no merengue in English as a result of there’s no want for merengue in English. In case you are a non-Spanish speaker and also you just like the rhythm, you’re gonna come to the music. And that’s occurring at my present and I’m studying navigate it. Generally I see folks making faces and also you don’t hear the chuckle coming again at you. Then the present ends and everybody’s DMing me after which they’re signing on the very finish of the DM as a result of white folks love doing that.
