🔗 Share this article

"There were adult-themed comedy, and trans jokes. Such content is rare to experience these types of comedy in this conservative nation."

That's how a foreign resident characterized the comedy sets she witnessed at the pioneering Saudi comedy showcase.

"The reception was phenomenal," she commented, after sets by American stars Bill Burr and Dave Chappelle.

Comedy Limits

The attendee - referred to as Sara - mentioned the comedians avoided discussing the Kingdom's debated rights issues.

"Local audiences aren't concerned about such subjects," she remarked. "Were that the case, they wouldn't live here."

Beyond the Kingdom, opinions diverge significantly.

Well-known performers such as Kevin Hart, Jimmy Carr, Jack Whitehall received harsh criticism from other comedians for agreeing to perform at the showcase.

Spectator Feedback

An initial spectator through the doors was a festival-goer, using a pseudonym.

He attended Omid Djalili's and Bill Burr's sets with friends, and has tickets to see the British comic later.

"The opening act for Bill Burr contained a extended portion which was centered around risqué material."

The attendee, who calls the city home, said he was shocked to hear jokes like this in a state which is known for being ultra-conservative socially.

"I can't believe performers were sharing these jokes in Saudi," Zain said. "Many people here haven't seen a comedy performance in their lives, much less something that daring."

Comedy Material

However, the humor were well received, he mentioned. "Among the audience, women from the Kingdom, and they were all laughing."

The famous comedian's performance was similarly debated, as reported by the attendee, with lots of jokes about LGBTQ+ individuals.

She noted this material is "unprecedented" to hear jokes like that in the Gulf state.

According to spectators that the performer humorously addressed features of Kingdom society.

"He humorously referenced cultural garments, and women driving. Additionally, he performed a skit about local residents' perceptions."

Material Boundaries

Furthermore, consider the unaddressed topics.

Attendees interviewed reported the performances "entirely dodged" any mention of the national authorities.

Prior to the shows, watchdog agencies suggested the event represented an effort by the Saudi regime to "improve its image.

Comedian Atsuko Okatsuka, who refused an invitation to perform, shared excerpts from a agreement that allegedly included prohibitions against any content that could "criticize or insult the national leadership or faith.

UK performer Rosie Holt says it's extremely rare for entertainers to encounter content restrictions like those.

"I've only heard occasionally at performances at universities," she explained. "Yet such cases are unusual rather than standard practice."

Ethical Concerns

The timing of the festival has been noted by its critics.

When it's happening, from late September to early October, coincide with the commemoration of the death of writer Jamal Khashoggi.

"That very person that's gonna pay [the comedians] is the identical individual who funded those people to kill the writer," commented US comic Marc Maron.

"As the expression goes, that comedy speaks truth to power," she commented. "A lot of these comedians have been huge defenders of free expression, and to appear in Saudi Arabia, where dialogue encounters restrictions, is remarkable. This raises ethical concerns."

Financial Considerations

Certain performers have been clear about why they're participating to the Kingdom - money.

"The financial offer enough money to look the other way," US comedian Tim Dillon commented online.

The comedian, who claims he was dismissed from the festival subsequent to his remarks, further mentioned he had been compensated handsomely for his performance.

Performer Shane Gillis mentioned during an interview he had turned down substantial compensation to appear at the festival. "I chose based on values," he commented.

"No one goes into comedy for the monetary gain," comments the comedian.

"Those exclusively getting opportunities are accomplished performers," added Falcone. "The current period isn't a challenging period for Kevin Hart."

Cultural Transformation

Performers join others who have accepted significant payments from the Kingdom's authorities in recent times.

As part of its identity that has been reliant on petroleum, Saudi Arabia is seeking to expand its interests across various fields.

The Kingdom's modernization program, championed by the nation's leader, features allocating funds into {sectors such as|areas including|fields