Spanish comedian David Broncano caught viewers off guard this week on the show "La Revuelta" with a memorable tale from his time performing in Havana, Cuba. The anecdote emerged during a chat with two fellow comedians about the challenges that often arise when performing in bars. Broncano humorously recounted his experience on a Cuban stage, where he not only had to deliver laughs but also found himself compelled to dance.
"I went to perform at a venue in Havana," Broncano shared. "The comedian before me danced salsa after every joke, no matter what. As I waited, I thought, 'I'm in for a wild ride today.' When I took the stage, I said, 'I can't dance.' But the crowd yelled, 'Dance!' So, I ended up doing a 35-minute show, dancing after every punchline," he recalled with laughter.
This wasn't the first time Broncano has shared details of his unique experience on the island. Back in 2021, during an interview with Cuban musician Yotuel Romero, he elaborated on his visit, including the necessary interaction with the institutional apparatus. "I had to go to the Ministry of Culture first to speak with someone, the secretary of humor. They told me there were certain things I shouldn't mention," he remembered. "I did it my way anyway, partly because I was leaving the next day. The performer before me was Cuban, and between jokes, they played salsa, and the audience danced. When I got on stage, I said I wouldn't dance, but they shouted for me to dance. So, with every joke, I had to dance. I had a great time."
While Broncano recounted the story with his signature comedic flair, his words also highlighted the distinct — and often constrained — atmosphere in which art unfolds in Cuba, where comedians must navigate both official censorship and audience expectations.
The Challenges of Performing Comedy in Cuba
What did David Broncano have to do before performing in Cuba?
Before performing in Cuba, David Broncano had to visit the Ministry of Culture to speak with a representative, who advised him on topics he should avoid during his performance.
How did the audience in Havana react to Broncano's refusal to dance?
When David Broncano initially refused to dance, the audience in Havana demanded that he join in, prompting him to incorporate dancing into his comedy routine.