Alba Boek, a 33-year-old comedian, is currently touring the Canary Islands with her show 'Bastarda'. The performance blends Canarian identity, social criticism, and gender dissent, aiming to elicit both laughter and reflection from the audience.
Based in Lanzarote since early this year, Boek, originally from Gran Canaria, highlights how the change of island has provided her with a valuable perspective for her work. "Each island has its idiosyncrasies, but we share a very particular way of understanding the world," she states, adding that this global view of the Canaries offers her "constant material" for her comedy.
The decision to dedicate herself fully to comedy has been made "calmly," prioritizing passion over immediate profitability. "I don't want to turn my happiness into just a business," says Boek, who recalls her early calling for comedy, consuming stand-up and memorizing monologues since childhood.
Among her influences, she mentions comedians like David Navarro and Ignatius Farray, and emphasizes the local Canarian talent with figures such as Petite Lorena and Manolo Vieira. "I believe there's a huge talent pool here that we often don't value enough. We don't need to import humor; we have it here," she asserts.
'Bastarda' is described as a "rather alternative show with a lot of social critique through humor," focusing on Canarian reality and contradictions. The aesthetic, developed with artist Asiria Álvarez, is inspired by a "tired superheroine" fighting against colonialism, machismo, and the treatment of dissidents.
Boek uses humor as a "social" tool, addressing topics such as tourism, housing, and environmental degradation. "I'm more of a jester who shoots in the air and hopes someone laughs and, incidentally, reflects," she explains about her approach, which does not aim to "give lessons."
Social media is seen as a "vehicle" for gaining visibility, but the stage remains her preferred space. The tour across the islands, despite the logistical and economic challenges of insularity, is compensated by an "incredible network of support among artists."
Regarding the possibility of causing offense, Boek assures that her intention is "never to offend" and stems "from affection," although she acknowledges that humor "sometimes makes people uncomfortable." The audience, according to the comedian, will leave with "at least a laugh," and "a sense of something real and relatable."
