Oye, mi gente! Ian Lara: the next household name in comedy is a Queens native and soon to be known as much more than a “little man with pretty ass eyebrows” – a name he revealed he was once called during his hilarious new special.
Comedian, actress, and producer Aida Rodriguez takes the stage in the Bronx for her first hour-long stand-up comedy special, AIDA RODRIGUEZ: FIGHTING WORDS, debuting THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4 on HBO Max.
Aida Rodriguez’s first hourlong stand-up comedy special comes at an interesting time — post pandemic, new political administration, heightened awareness regarding racial injustice, and elevated levels of care around touchy topics like gender inclusion. In comedy industry, there is a fine line between hurtful laughter and funny truths that comedians have to walk and Aida did a masterful job at sprinting in her truth. After watching the special Tuesday night (11/2) at a private screening in Downtown Los Angeles, all I can say is “Wow, what a star making performance!”
With her grounded and unapologetic point of view, Rodriguez gets candid about being worn out from political comedy, embracing both sides of her heritage, getting back into the dating game, and so much more. A hilarious, no-holds-barred exploration of identity and family, the special concludes with a documentary of Aida’s travels to Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic – a celebration of these vibrant cultures as cameras capture Rodriguez reuniting with her estranged father and paying it forward for up-and-coming comedians.
AIDA RODRIGUEZ: FIGHTING WORDS is written and performed by Aida Rodriguez and directed by Kristian Mercado and Nadia Hallgren. The special is executive produced by Rodriguez as well as Michelle Caputo and Shannon Hartman for Arts & Industry.
Grab some popcorn and get ready to laugh out loud at one of the best comedy specials this year. You can stream AIDA RODRIGUEZ: FIGHTING WORDS, debuting THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4 on HBO Max.
On Wednesday, April 7th, the 12th Annual African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) hosted a virtual award ceremony, to honor the very best films, directors, actors, producers, artists, and world changers of our time.