"I no longer want to do television, at least not humorous shows for TV; I don't want to waste my time," declared renowned actor and comedian Osvaldo Doimeadiós during an appearance on "La Familia Cubana," a sociocultural program available on YouTube. With a career spanning over four decades, the 2012 National Humor Award recipient explained that he prefers to channel his energy into theater, teaching, and spaces where he can create free from political interference.
As the director of the project La risa por delante, Doimeadiós candidly described the atmosphere of censorship comedians face in Cuba: recordings shelved for absurd reasons, endless meetings with bureaucrats, and a power structure that systematically obstructs free expression. "Sometimes you record a show two months in advance, but coincidentally 'someone' says something that week... and it resembles what you recorded, so it can't be aired," he explained in a segment available on TikTok.
During the interview, the abrupt removal of "Vivir del Cuento," Cuba's most popular TV show in recent years, was also discussed. "I don't trust people who don't laugh, nor those who forbid laughter," Doimeadiós stated, alluding to officials who control the media from the shadows. In his view, these decision-makers "aren't defending policies, criteria, or aesthetics, but rather their positions... the gasoline card, a status, the 'three-drawer belly' as I say, and those," he emphasized, "are the most dangerous."
Doimeadiós's words come at a time when television humor in Cuba is dwindling. Following the cancellation of "Vivir del Cuento" and the departure of many comedians from the country, what's left is a lackluster and soulless lineup. Other artists, like fellow comedian Ulises Toirac, have also been silenced or marginalized for speaking their minds.
The Impact of Censorship on Cuban Comedy
Osvaldo Doimeadiós, undoubtedly one of the most influential figures in Cuban humor, has made an indelible mark on various generations with his memorable characters in "Sabadazo" and his role as Meriño in "Vivir del Cuento." Today, his decision to distance himself from state television is not just a personal statement but also a depiction of the cultural stagnation in the country.
In May, Doimeadiós offered a critical view of the current state of Cuban television during an interview on the YouTube channel D'Robles Podcast, hosted by former athlete Dayron Robles. "Unfortunately, television has lost much," the artist lamented. "There was a time when they didn't want comedians to depend on TV; now we don't depend on it, and they want us to. It's very curious," he added.
Shifting Audience Preferences in Cuba
He also noted how the Cuban audience has significantly migrated to social media, where they find more varied, less censored content with greater creative freedom. Osvaldo Doimeadiós, a prominent Cuban comedian and actor, a member of the legendary group Sala-Manca in the 80s, has built a career marked by his ability to reinvent himself and his tireless work in theater, film, and teaching.
With an approach he describes as "childlike," Doimeadiós pursues his art with a purity that defines him both personally and professionally. Currently, he leads the project La risa por delante at the Nave Oficio de Isla, a multidisciplinary cultural space he founded in 2019 in the former warehouses of San José in Old Havana. This project, developed alongside figures like Ignacio "Nachi" Hernández and Nelia Casado, aims to consolidate stand-up comedy in Cuba, promoting an immediate and critical humor that engages with social reality. Doimeadiós defends the genre as a cathartic and necessary tool.
With intimate performances recorded to preserve their historical value, the project seeks to discover new talents and expand its reach, always with the conviction that humor, even in challenging times, is an act of resistance and creativity.
Understanding Censorship in Cuban Television
Why did Osvaldo Doimeadiós decide to leave Cuban television?
Osvaldo Doimeadiós chose to leave Cuban television due to the pervasive censorship and the bureaucratic obstacles that stifle creative expression. He prefers to focus on theater and teaching, where he can work without political interference.
What challenges do comedians face in Cuba?
Comedians in Cuba face challenges such as censorship, bureaucratic meetings, and a power structure that limits freedom of expression. Shows are often recorded but not aired due to political concerns.
How has the audience in Cuba changed its viewing habits?
The Cuban audience has shifted significantly towards social media platforms, seeking out more diverse and less censored content that offers greater creative freedom compared to traditional television.