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. Following sets by notable American comedians like Dave Chappelle and Bill Burr, the show has sparked a range of reactions both locally and internationally.
The response was unprecedented in its enthusiasm, according to Sara, a festival attendee. Though the comedians steered clear of Saudi Arabia's controversial human rights record, Sara noted, People here don't care about those topics; if they did, they wouldn't live here. This perspective contrasts sharply with criticism from famous comedians like Jimmy Carr, Jack Whitehall, and Kevin Hart, who faced backlash for performing in a country with troubling human rights practices.
Despite the controversy, many festival-goers have praised the event as part of a larger transformation taking place in Saudi Arabia. The Riyadh Comedy Festival kicked off last weekend with an all-star line-up dominated by male performers. Fans have reported that the humorous content included jokes about sexuality and societal norms, which are particularly risky in a society known for its conservatism.
One local, Zain, reflected on the unexpected nature of such content, stating, I can't believe people were saying this stuff in Saudi. Many people here haven't seen stand-up in their lives, let alone something so explicit.” However, the audience response was overwhelmingly positive, indicating an evolution in cultural appetite.
Not all voices in the comedy community are supportive of the festival. Critics argue it serves to legitimize a regime with a poor human rights record. Human Rights Watch urged performers to speak out against the government's actions while on stage, but so far, many comedians appear to choose humor over critique.
The festival’s timing, coinciding with the anniversary of Jamal Khashoggi's murder, has not gone unnoticed. Critics point out the ethical implications of performing for the same regime responsible for such an atrocity. As some comedians admit motivations of financial gain, the comedy festival continues to unfold as a significant cultural event amid broader societal changes in the region.
From the local crowd's perspective, there seems to be excitement surrounding this form of entertainment. Sara remarked, Saudi Arabia is trying to be an entertainment center, and things like this comedy festival really help. The Riyadh Comedy Festival represents not only a mix of humor and taboo but also a potential turning point in cultural exchange within the Kingdom.
