Aida Margarita Parada Rodriguez, professionally known as Aida Rodriguez, is an Afrolatina comedian, podcast host, and writer of Puerto Rican and Dominican descent. She will be bringing her unique brand of humor to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark on March 1st. If you’re just discovering her through this article, I am sorry you haven’t experienced her humor yet! And if you are familiar, you’ve probably already purchased your tickets because you know you risk missing out if you don’t act quickly!

Life is difficult, to varying degrees, for each of us. As the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche said, “to live is to suffer, to survive is to find some meaning in the suffering.”

The million-dollar question is - how do we give meaning to the suffering? Some turn to advocacy work, some become educators, and others become actors to reflect and make sense of the horrors and mundanities of life. Then you have comedians, who take their heartbreak and trauma directly to the stage and make sure that we leave laughing.

“I believe laughter is healing. The human experience has to include joy,” says comedian Aida Rodriguez. By this logic, comedy shows must act as a tonic to our suffering, no? If laughter is the best medicine and comedy is tonic, are comedians doctors? Will this tonic aid in the doctor’s suffering as well? Of course. Comedians process their trauma out in the open for all the world to see and enjoy. Talk about transparency!

Bringing joy to others through their suffering, that’s the meaning. Sharing their gifts with the world, that’s survival. I liken it to being invited to someone else’s therapy session. We’re all aiming to make our therapists laugh, right? Don’t tell me that’s just me. There is a distinct joy that comes from eliciting laughter in another.

Comedy shows are one of my favorite forms of escapism. If I’m laughing too much to cry, I’ve found my safe haven. I may liken it to therapy but Aida likens it to music, “It's one of the places that most of us meet. Then there are those who have a bad sense of humor, not much we can do for them.”

This is how NJPAC describes her upcoming show: "Raucously funny" (Esquire) comedian Aida Rodriguez will make you laugh hard and think hard. She brilliantly tackles any topic, from zombies to social justice. In addition to her special Fighting Words (Max), she’s made a splash on Last Comic Standing (NBC), They Ready (Netflix), Entre Nos (HBO), This Week at the Comedy Cellar (Comedy Central), Pause with Sam Jay (HBO) and The Young Turks. Aida’s podcast Truth Serum covers the week’s hottest topics from an inclusive and progressive POV, and her book Legitimate Kid explores cultural identity, childhood and motherhood. She’ll have you “laughing, crying and begging for more” (Decider).

Aida brings her life experiences to the stage and she’s had quite the experience. She has survived two kidnappings, sexual abuse, and a period of homelessness, and that’s just the teaser to her memoir “Legitimate Kid: A Memoir.” Sounds like a laugh riot, right? In the hands of a skilled comedian, it is. Hilarious and poignant, much like her stand-up.

When I asked Aida what she is looking forward to about returning to NJPAC, she said “Audiences filled with real and community people. The last time I was there I performed to a sold-out crowd of people who would not leave. They actually stayed and danced after! I want to outdo that show.” That’s that Newark pride we love to hear of!

Sometimes it can be hard to predict what to expect at a comedy show. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. I outright asked Aida what audiences can expect from this tour and this show. Exuberantly she announced, “Joy! A more confident and comfortable me. This tour is for those who are coming to my shows. While so much in the world is trying to divide us, I am going to bring us together one laugh at a time.“

Comedian and actor John Leguizamo has raved about his friend. “Aida Rodriguez is part of the next wave of talented comedic storytellers that I dreamt about when I was trying to break down barriers in the industry. Besides being a fierce Latina powerhouse, she’s FUNNY AS HELL!” He was encouraging folks to buy her book at the time but the advice stands. All the more reason to check out her show at NJPAC. 

Aida Rodriguez performs at New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) on March 1st at 8:00pm.  Tickets are available for purchase online.