If you grew up in a Latin home, you surely recognize those phrases that marked generations: “because I said so,” “when you have children you will understand me” and, of course, the legendary flying flip-flop that appeared just when you needed it most. With that humor that turns family experiences into unforgettable moments, the renowned comedian Josué Comedy comes to the area with his new show “Latin Mother: Dangerous but Divine”, which will be presented next August 8 at The Liberty Center in Elizabeth, New Jersey, to celebrate those mothers who raised us between scoldings, hugs, sacrifices and a love so great that it was always enough for the entire family.
After the success of “Soy un Papa Fresita”, Josué Comedy returns to the stage with a proposal inspired by those family stories that we all know. With his approachable style and full of anecdotes, the Puerto Rican comedian has conquered the Latin public in Puerto Rico and the United States by finding the funny side of those situations that are part of our daily lives: the rules of the house, the unsolicited advice and those unique abilities of Latin mothers to know everything before one says a word.
In “Latin Mother: Dangerous but Divine,” Josué pays tribute to those strong, loving and intense women who left an indelible mark on our lives. In an interview with Noticia NY, the comedian reveals the inspiration behind the show, shares some of the stories that led him to create this tribute and explains why, even though we grow up and cross borders, we always carry a little piece of mom with us.
After the success of “Soy un Papa Fresita,” what led you to now focus on the figure of the Latina mother as the axis of the new show?
After talking about fatherhood in “Soy un Papa Fresita,” I realized that many of the stories that most connected with the public had something in common: Latina mothers. We all have an anecdote, a lesson or a memory marked by a Latina mother, grandmother or aunt. I felt it was the perfect time to dedicate an entire show to those women who raised us with a lot of love, but also with parenting techniques that are difficult to find today.
The title “Latin Mother: Dangerous but Divine” is very powerful. What exactly does “dangerous” mean in the context of the show?
“Dangerous” not because she is bad, but because a Latina mother always finds a way to get her way. She’s dangerous when she looks at you and already knows you did something. She is dangerous because she can scold you, correct you, and make you feel guilty in less than thirty seconds. But, at the same time, she is divine because behind all that there is love, sacrifice and an incredible dedication for her children. The title perfectly summarizes that mix of authority, character and unconditional love that characterizes so many Latina mothers.
How autobiographical is this show and how much of what you tell comes from your own family experience?
Lot. Most of the stories are born from real experiences with my mother and also from what I experience now as a father. Obviously, as a comedian, I exaggerate certain details to make them funnier, but the essence is always real. I think that sincerity with the audience is what makes people identify so much. Even though I talk about my family, the audience ends up feeling like I’m talking about theirs.
In the show you talk about parenting before versus now. What would you say is the biggest change between both generations of Latina mothers?
I think the biggest change is the amount of information parents have access to today. Our mothers often raised children based on their experience and what they had learned from previous generations. Today parents have access to books, podcasts, specialists and social networks. However, there is something that has not changed: the love that a mother feels for her children.
What do you want audiences—especially the new Latino generations in the United States—to take away emotionally after watching this show?
I want them to laugh a lot, but also to come away valuing the people who raised them more. This show celebrates our roots, our customs and those things that perhaps made us ashamed before, but that today we remember fondly. I would like the children to call their mothers after the show and for them to feel recognized and honored.
