Venezuelan comedian Angelo Colina, based in New York, returned to Philadelphia this Friday, January 30, with his show Una noche en Philly, presented at Taller Puertorriqueño. The performance, a Spanish-language stand-up show, focused on identity, culture, and the shared experiences of the Latino community in the United States.
Angelo Colina has built a distinguished career in Spanish-language stand-up comedy, taking his show to more than 30 states across the country and performing at well-known venues in New York, Chicago, and Puerto Rico. His return to Philadelphia reaffirms his commitment to a style of comedy that connects with Latino audiences through language and shared experience.
Minutes before taking the stage, the comedian spoke with Impacto and highlighted the importance of cultural gatherings for the Latino community. “I think this is a year to appreciate any event that can be created with the Latino community. I’ve always seen it as a movement that keeps getting stronger, that continues to grow, and that represents new generations,” he said. For the comedian, beyond the audience’s specific origins, what unites them is the language and their connection to Latino culture.
Although he began his career performing stand-up in English, Colina found Spanish to be the true vehicle for his comedy. “The best way to describe it is that it’s in Spanish. That alone makes a very big difference for many people who live here. When we come out and speak Spanish, something changes and it doesn’t translate,” he explained, noting that he was never able to transfer his humor into English in the same way.
Regarding his creative process, the comedian stated that comedy is deeply tied to the present and to personal experience. “It’s a very direct, very pure art form, because it reflects what is happening at that moment, both in the world and in the community,” he said. He added that his work is inevitably influenced by what affects people who share his background and experiences as immigrants.
In his routines, he addresses themes such as Latin American culture, history, family, and values. He also reflected on his own migratory experience and how his perspective has changed over time. “I used to feel a certain resentment toward Latin America because of what couldn’t be done there. Today, I appreciate many things that gave me the values I have,” he commented, emphasizing the importance of highlighting the positive while acknowledging cultural challenges.
Born in Maracaibo, Venezuela, Angelo Colina is also a filmmaker, screenwriter, and producer. From a hopeful perspective, he addressed the situation in his home country and expressed confidence in the future. “Venezuela will always show that its people can never be stopped. It’s only a matter of time,” he stated.
Before each performance, his ritual is simple yet meaningful: listening to music in Spanish to reconnect with the language and rhythm. In Philadelphia, he undoubtedly connected with the audience, who laughed nonstop throughout the event. On this occasion, he also donated his talent, and 100% of the funds raised were donated to Taller Puertorriqueño.
With this presentation, Ángelo Colina reaffirms his commitment to a form of comedy that entertains, connects, and strengthens the bonds of a diverse community that finds common ground in language and culture.