The comedy group La Leña del Humor accused the Cuban regime this Saturday for their inability to bring their latest show to various venues across the country. The comedians highlighted on Facebook that their performance "Humor de Importación" has been a hit in cities like Santa Clara, Cárdenas, Santiago de Cuba, Bayamo, and Havana, which has encouraged fans to demand more shows in other parts of the nation.
However, they blamed the regime for not being able to expand the show to more cities, stating that “a large part depends on provincial institutions, the 'budget,' the intentions of certain decision-makers, and apparently even the phases of the moon.” They also mentioned on the social network that they are “waiting for the 'conditions' to be right for us to perform,” implying that their efforts have been significantly hindered by bureaucratic hurdles and arbitrary or delayed decisions by officials.
Economic Crisis and Its Impact on Comedy
In recent days, La Leña del Humor, through their characteristic comedic style, warned on Facebook that the economic crisis affecting the country is damaging the comedians' work. To be "up to the 'height of the historical moment we are living'" and "consistent with the 'Humoristic' crisis the country is experiencing," they announced they would practice what they termed "resistant and creative humor."
According to them, the new show would not require electricity, cinema or theater stages, or “props, costumes, or scenic elements.” Additionally, there would be no need for production, meaning no transportation, travel, lodging, or food expenses. However, the performance would have "a high ideological content to reaffirm ourselves," they noted on the social network, admitting that, until now, they have "no idea what it will be about or how it will take shape."
Despite these challenges, they emphasized that they would improve humor and, most importantly, aim to "overcome the current humoristic crisis we are experiencing and elevate Cuban humor to new heights." The economic crisis in Cuba, along with shortages and inflation, has provided rich material for humor.
Recently, a young man showcased the various phases Cubans go through when the power goes out in a humorous video. The Instagram user identified as "Crónicas de un cubano" depicted the different scenes experienced daily in thousands of homes on the island, where power outages keep the population in constant distress and stress.
The power cuts also inspired the young Cuban Karoline Hernández (@your_loli_blue), 19, to create a parody of "The Little Mermaid" song, highlighting what is happening across the island, bringing laughter to her followers.
"What do you see around you? The entire country in a blackout, it makes me think that I need to emigrate. The split is broken and I can't handle this heat. Do you want problems? I have 20. But I really want to emigrate and discover everything I never knew. I want to emigrate and get lost from here," sings Karoline.
Impact of Budget Constraints on Cuban Comedy
The following questions and answers provide additional insights into the challenges faced by Cuban comedians due to budget constraints and economic issues.
Why is La Leña del Humor unable to perform in more provinces?
La Leña del Humor attributes their limited performances to budget constraints and bureaucratic hurdles imposed by provincial institutions and officials.
How is the economic crisis affecting Cuban comedians?
The economic crisis in Cuba is hindering comedians by limiting their resources, such as electricity, props, and venues, and increasing operational costs, including transportation, travel, lodging, and food.
What creative solutions are Cuban comedians exploring?
Cuban comedians are exploring "resistant and creative humor" that does not require traditional resources like electricity, props, or stages, and focuses on high ideological content to resonate with the audience.
How are power outages influencing Cuban humor?
Power outages in Cuba are becoming a significant source of comedic material, as seen in humorous videos and parodies by young Cubans that reflect the daily struggles and resilience of the population.