The popular Spanish comedian David Broncano surprised everyone this week on the show La Revuelta by recalling an unforgettable story experienced during a performance in Havana, Cuba. The anecdote emerged while he was chatting with two guest comedians about the challenges of performing in bars. It was then that Broncano humorously reminisced about his time on a Cuban stage, where, in addition to making people laugh, he found himself having to dance.
“I went to perform at a venue in Havana. The comedian who went before me danced salsa with every joke he told. No matter what he did. And I, waiting, thought: ‘I'm going to be in for quite a surprise today.’ When I stepped on stage, I said: ‘I don't know how to dance.’ Then they shouted: ‘Dance!’ So I did a 35-minute show, and with every joke, I had to dance,” he recounted with laughter.
This is not the first time Broncano has spoken about that peculiar experience on the island. In 2021, during an interview with Cuban musician Yotuel Romero, he had already shared details about his visit, including the mandatory prior step through the institutional apparatus.
"I first had to go to the Ministry of Culture to talk to someone, to the humor secretary. They told me there were a few things I shouldn't mention," he recalled. "I did it however I wanted, also because I was leaving the next day. The performer before me was Cuban, and between jokes, they played salsa music and the people danced. When I got on stage, I said I wasn't going to dance, but they shouted for me to dance. So, with every joke, I had to dance. I had a great time."
Although Broncano approached the story with his characteristic humorous tone, his words also reflect the particular —and often constrained— environment in which art develops in Cuba, where comedians must adapt to both official censorship and the demands of the audience.
Frequently asked questions about David Broncano's performance in Cuba
What was David Broncano's experience performing in Havana like?
David Broncano recalled that his performance in Havana was unique and fun, as in addition to doing comedy, he had to dance salsa after each joke due to the insistence of the audience. This experience took place in an environment where art is often conditioned by government regulations in Cuba.
What restrictions did David Broncano face before his performance in Cuba?
Before performing, Broncano had to meet with the Cuban Ministry of Culture to discuss topics he was not supposed to mention in his show. However, he decided to perform without censorship as he planned to leave the country the following day.
What does Broncano's experience reflect about the artistic environment in Cuba?
The anecdote of Broncano illustrates how artists in Cuba must grapple with official censorship and adapt to the demands of the audience, which can impact their creative freedom. This is a reflection of the restrictive conditions under which comedians and other artists operate on the island.
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