When I first crossed paths with fellow comedian Glorelys Mora, it was more than a professional encounter — it was a spark that ignited a shared mission. From our first conversation, we connected over laughter, identity, and the frustrations of navigating an industry that often sidelines voices like ours. As two Dominican comedians trying to carve out space in American comedy, we bonded over the challenges we faced — and how often our stories were excluded from the mainstream narrative.
That shared struggle inspired Morir Soñando, the first all-Dominican comedy show in the United States. It began as a labor of love, born from necessity — a desire to create a platform that authentically represents Dominican humor, culture, and complexity. Our goal was simple but urgent: make space for our community in a comedy world that rarely sees us center stage.
The Missing Piece in Comedy
While the American comedy landscape is vibrant and diverse, Dominican voices have been consistently underrepresented. I often felt something was missing in the stand-up world — a gap where stories like ours should be. Morir Soñando was our way of filling that void with joy, truth, and unapologetic cultural pride.
Comedy, for me, is deeply personal. I often say I’m emotionally constipated — I don’t know how to cry, but I do know how to laugh through the pain. Laughter isn’t just entertainment; it’s a coping mechanism, a bridge between isolation and connection. Growing up as a kid dealing with depression, humor was my way out of loneliness. It was my way in to being seen and understood.
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Using Humor to Heal
Comedy is powerful because it disarms. It gives people permission to face hard truths with soft hearts. I’ve found that joking about difficult topics — like being an “affair child” — doesn’t just help me process pain, it helps others feel less alone in theirs. A shared laugh can dissolve shame, invite empathy, and build community.
In my family, humor was the main language we used to process trauma. I didn’t know I was funny until others told me, and I eventually realized I could turn that skill into a career. But even then, I rarely saw people who looked or sounded like me in the industry. The first time I saw Aida Rodriguez on Last Comic Standing in 2014, I felt an overwhelming connection. Her comedy mirrored my own lived experience — and that validation mattered.
Choosing Authenticity Over Assimilation
As a Dominican American woman, I’ve constantly had to ask myself: Should I assimilate to succeed? Or can I stay rooted in my culture and still thrive? The stand-up world in the U.S. often falls into binary categories — Black or white — leaving little room for Afro-Caribbean, Spanish-speaking narratives. I embrace my Blackness as an American, but my Dominican identity is equally important. Why should I have to choose?
This tension is what inspired Glorelys and me to create something like Morir Soñando — a space where Dominican comedians could fully exist without compromise. Similar to what Def Comedy Jam did for Black American comics, we wanted our platform to reflect our raw, unfiltered truths, in both English and Spanish, or sometimes — in true Dominican fashion — Spanglish.
Creating a Movement, Not Just a Show
Morir Soñando isn’t just a comedy showcase. It’s a cultural movement. It’s about reclaiming space in an industry that rarely prioritizes our voices. With over 42 million Spanish speakers in the U.S., bilingual comedy isn’t just relevant — it’s necessary. Our stories matter. Our accents matter. And our laughter deserves a stage.
We launched our first show in 2019 with the intent to highlight Dominican comedians and celebrate the humor that springs from our shared culture. In 2023, we made history with a show at the legendary United Palace in New York. And this year, we’re returning — this time in the main theater, which seats over 3,000 people. It’s a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come and how far we still intend to go.
Behind the Scenes: The Real Work
While the success of Morir Soñando is a source of pride, the journey has not been easy. Financially, it’s been a challenge. It’s incredibly difficult to secure sponsorships for Latine-led events — a reflection of deeper issues around representation and equity in the entertainment industry. Glorelys and I often fund the shows ourselves, not because we want to, but because we have to. That level of commitment comes with real risks, but also real purpose.
And yet, we keep going. Why? Because the impact is undeniable. We’ve seen our audiences laugh, cry, and most importantly — feel seen. We’ve watched young Dominican comics get on stage for the first time and realize their voices are not just valid, but vital.
Why Representation Matters
Morir Soñando is about more than laughs. It’s about visibility. It’s about telling a new kind of American story — one where bilingualism is the norm, not the exception. One where Latinidad isn’t reduced to a stereotype but is embraced in all its diversity and nuance.
Our goal has never been to exclude anyone. Quite the opposite — we want to welcome people in. We want non-Dominican, non-Latine folks to experience our humor and walk away with a deeper understanding of who we are. We want allies, collaborators, and supporters who believe in the power of storytelling through comedy.
Looking Ahead
As we gear up for our upcoming show at United Palace this November, we’re filled with hope — but also a sense of urgency. These spaces don’t sustain themselves. They require community, resources, and support. Whether that’s through showing up, spreading the word, or sponsoring future events, every bit of involvement helps.
We’re proud of what we’ve built — but we’re not done. Morir Soñando is evolving into something bigger than us. It’s a platform, a voice, a revolution in Dominican comedy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Morir Soñando?
Morir Soñando is the first all-Dominican comedy show in the United States, founded by comedians Sasha Merci and Glorelys Mora. It celebrates Dominican culture and identity through stand-up, storytelling, and bilingual humor.
Why is it called “Morir Soñando”?
The name “Morir Soñando” — which means “to die dreaming” in Spanish — is also the name of a beloved Dominican drink. The phrase captures the essence of the show: a dream to see Dominican voices center stage, mixed with cultural flavor, nostalgia, and bold ambition.
Who are the founders of the show?
Morir Soñando was co-founded by Sasha Merci and Glorelys Mora, two Dominican-American comedians who wanted to create a platform to amplify Dominican perspectives in the comedy scene.
What makes Morir Soñando unique?
This show is the first of its kind to spotlight exclusively Dominican comedians, offering bilingual performances (Spanish and English), culturally relevant content, and themes that resonate with Latinx and Afro-Caribbean communities. It’s a celebration of identity, humor, and resilience.
Is Morir Soñando only for Dominican audiences?
Not at all. While the show celebrates Dominican culture, its themes are universal — touching on family, identity, mental health, immigration, and love. Everyone is welcome to laugh, learn, and connect.
When was the first show launched?
Morir Soñando premiered in 2019, driven by a need to create space for Dominican talent in an industry where they were often underrepresented.
Where has the show been performed?
The show has been staged at several venues across New York City, including a historic performance at the United Palace Theater in 2023. It continues to grow in reach and scale, with more events planned for major venues.
Conclusion
Morir Soñando is more than a comedy show — it’s a cultural movement rooted in authenticity, resilience, and pride. By amplifying Dominican voices and creating space for raw, relatable, and bilingual storytelling, this platform challenges the norms of the comedy world and redefines what representation truly looks like. Founded by Sasha Merci and Glorelys Mora, the show stands as a powerful reminder that humor can heal, connect, and empower.