There were sex jokes, and trans jokes. It's really unusual to see this kind of comedy here in Saudi Arabia.
That's how one ex-pat summed up the performances she's seen, at the first ever Riyadh Comedy Festival.
The response was amazing, I've never seen such enthusiasm, she said, after sets by American stars Dave Chappelle and Bill Burr.
The woman - whom we're calling Sara - stated that the comedians avoided discussing Saudi Arabia's controversial human rights record. But that didn't particularly bother her.
Fans outside Saudi Arabia hold contrasting views, with critics questioning the motives of several well-known comedians participating in the festival. Despite the critiques, some suggest that this reflects a more nuanced attempt for Saudi Arabia to transform its global image.
As the festival unfolds, fans and comedians share their perspectives on both the performances and the socio-political implications.
What's being said...
The Riyadh Comedy Festival commenced with an all-star lineup, predominantly male. Attendee Zain, who saw performances by Omid Djalili and Bill Burr, noted that jokes included explicit content that seemed surprising in a socially conservative nation.
Many locals, unfamiliar with stand-up comedy, expressed their delight at witnessing such humor, despite the socio-cultural context.
I can't believe people were saying this stuff in Saudi, Zain remarked. Many people here haven't seen a stand-up in their lives, let alone something so explicit.”
Some audience members mentioned that they thoroughly enjoyed the performances, with local Saudi women reportedly laughing at jokes that challenged cultural norms.
And what's not being said
However, discussions surrounding political topics were notably absent. Human rights organizations like Human Rights Watch have argued that the festival serves as a mechanism for the Saudi regime to distract from its ongoing human rights violations.
Many fans and critics have pointed out the lack of awareness raised about pressing subjects during the performances. The irony of hosting such an event coinciding with the anniversary of journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s murder has not gone unnoticed, stirring outrage among free speech advocates.
'It's morally repugnant'
Critics have articulated moral concerns regarding comedians playing to a regime known for its harsh censorship. Comedian Tim Dillon, who mentioned the substantial monetary incentives for participation, highlights an ongoing tension between financial gain and ethical implications.
However, some comedians defend their choices, asserting that they are pushing boundaries and educating audiences in the process.
'People here are excited'
Despite the controversies, many Saudis express enthusiasm over the festival as part of a broader cultural shift underscored by the Kingdom's economic diversification efforts. The Vision 2023 initiative, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, encompasses a significant push towards entertainment and tourism, generating excitement among the younger demographics within the nation.
As performers continue to shake up the comedy landscape in Saudi Arabia, it remains to be seen how this bold endeavor will influence both local and global perceptions of humor in restrictive environments.
