Ana Morgade: The Power of Humor in a Changing World

Ana Morgade has spent over two decades straddling the roles of clown and comedian, a description that may surprise some, especially with the latter title. She laughs as she explains that her aim is to dig as deep as possible in her performances. At 46, this Madrid native has become one of Spain's premier humorists, participating in numerous television and radio programs, while also filling venues across the country with her personal shows. Currently, Morgade collaborates on "Al cielo con ella," a late-night show hosted by Henar Álvarez on TVE, as well as on "Cuerpos especiales" on Europa FM and "Mañana más" on RNE. She stars in the humorous show "Mentes Peligrosas," and has her own improvisational monologues like "El que tropieza y no cae." On top of that, she finds time to collaborate with brands, such as in the "Choví Salseo" campaign, to revitalize public squares in Spain. In this initiative, she emphasizes the importance of humor in breaking down barriers and connecting with neighbors who might otherwise be strangers. During a recent discussion with El HuffPost, Morgade touched on the current state of humor, the role of technology in comedy, and the persistent issues of machismo in society. She lamented the loss of communal spaces in large cities, stating, "We fight against an increasingly individualistic society... It’s concerning how difficult it is to connect with neighbors." Morgade fondly reminisces about the cultural significance of casual conversations in public spaces. "In Spain, we’ve always enjoyed the art of conversation, and it’s a shame to see that tradition fading. Those simple moments of sitting outside and chatting are like a therapeutic heritage that we need to preserve." On the subject of humor today, she observes that although the industry has changed with the advent of social media, the core essence of comedy remains. "The humor must evolve; it’s not set in stone. Just as our concerns change with age, what makes us laugh does too. Social media allows many emerging comedians to reach audiences that previously may have been inaccessible. It democratizes the entertainment landscape, which is fantastic." Morgade is aware of the struggles many comedians face today. Despite having established a successful career, she still juggles multiple jobs. "I have six jobs now, and just because it seems calmer, it does not mean it is easier. I have to manage my time between performances and my young daughter’s needs. The reality is, every artist faces challenges, especially in comedy where trends can change overnight." Reflecting on the shared experiences within the comedy circuit, she emphasizes the importance of authenticity in performance. "No matter if you have 50 or 50,000 people watching, you must stay true to your art. It’s essential to remain honest with your material." With her show "Mentes Peligrosas," Morgade and her fellow comedians aim to connect with a broader audience. They mix different generations and communities, creating a space where shared experiences of life resonate with everyone. "It’s a universal theme, and we’ve found that nostalgia and shared moments bring people together." Moreover, laughter is even more crucial in tough times. "When things get tough, humor becomes essential. If you can laugh at a storm, it won’t sink your ship. It’s a thermometer to measure how we relate to challenging topics." Morgade encourages an increase in humor programming on television, believing it to be therapeutic for the audience. "The more humor we see, the better for society; it fosters discussions around topics that unite or divide us. Comedy helps us confront issues with a lighter heart." Discussing the media landscape, Morgade acknowledges recent competition in late-night shows but maintains that behind-the-scenes dynamics often overshadow publicized ratings battles. She highlights the collaborative efforts of those in the industry to deliver the best content and the unpredictability of audience reception. On the topic of censorship, Morgade notes a shift in societal sensitivity towards humor, which she sees as a positive change. "In a democracy, we should be attentive to who we hurt with our jokes. There's more empathy today. It’s important to understand that humor should reflect a wider array of experiences." As for her experiences of sexism, Morgade confirms that while things have improved, the entertainment industry still grapples with significant gender disparities. "Yes, sexism persists. The landscape of prominent programs remains male-dominated, reflecting societal issues that permeate other sectors too. We need more diverse representation to change this reality." Ultimately, Morgade champions the transformative power of humor in individual lives and society at large, advocating for an inclusive environment where laughter continues to thrive. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2