"Performers delivered adult-themed comedy, and LGBTQ+ material. Such content is rare to witness these types of comedy here in Saudi Arabia."
That's how an international attendee summed up the comedy sets she witnessed at the inaugural Riyadh Comedy Festival.
"The response was amazing," she noted, after sets by American stars two famous American comics.
Comedy Limits
The woman - identified as Sara - said the performers steered clear of touching upon Saudi Arabia's controversial human rights record.
"Residents show little interest about such subjects," she said. "Otherwise, they wouldn't live here."
Outside Saudi Arabia, views vary considerably.
Celebrity entertainers including Kevin Hart, Jimmy Carr, Jack Whitehall faced strong backlash from fellow artists for accepting invitations at the festival.
Spectator Feedback
One of the first fans through the doors was Zain, not his real name.
He saw performances by Djalili and Burr with companions, and has tickets to see the British comic soon.
"The initial performer for the American comedian featured a ten-minute segment which was focused on sexual content."
The attendee, who resides in the capital, expressed surprise to hear jokes like this in a country which is known for being ultra-conservative socially.
"It's astonishing people were saying such material in Saudi," he stated. "Many people here are unfamiliar with a stand-up in their lives, not to mention something that daring."
Performance Content
But the jokes got positive reactions, he mentioned. "In front of me, Saudi female attendees, and everyone was chuckling."
The famous comedian's performance was equally contentious, as reported by the attendee, with numerous routines about the transgender community.
She noted this material is "unprecedented" to witness this type of humor in the Gulf state.
The attendee reported that Djalili poked fun at features of Kingdom society.
"He comically mentioned cultural garments, and ladies behind the wheel. Additionally, he performed a segment about how people in Riyadh think."
Content Restrictions
Furthermore, consider the avoided subjects.
Spectators consulted reported the shows "completely avoided" any mention of the national authorities.
Ahead of the festival, human rights organizations argued the festival was an attempt by the Kingdom's government to "improve its image.
One performer, who said she turned down an opportunity to participate, revealed portions from a document that supposedly featured bans on any content that could "disparage or slander the Saudi royal family or religious institutions.
English entertainer noted such restrictions are unusual for entertainers to encounter content restrictions like those.
"Such instances are rare sometimes at gigs at universities," she mentioned. "But that's the exception rather than standard practice."
Ethical Concerns
The timing of the festival has drawn attention from its critics.
Its dates, from late September to early October, coincide with the commemoration of the killing of the journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
"That very person compensating [the comedians] is the identical individual that paid that guy to dismember Jamal Khashoggi," commented American comedian Marc Maron.
"There's that old saying, that humor challenges authority," she commented. "Many performers are strong advocates of free speech, and to go and perform in this nation, where dialogue encounters restrictions, is extraordinary. It's morally repugnant."
Financial Considerations
Some comedians have been transparent about their motivation to Saudi - financial compensation.
"The compensation enough money to look the other way," entertainer Tim Dillon said on a podcast.
The comedian, who reports being removed from the showcase after those comments, further mentioned he had been presented with significant payment for his appearance.
American comedian Shane Gillis mentioned during an interview he had turned down substantial compensation to appear at the festival. "I took a principled stand," he commented.
"People don't choose performing for the paycheque," comments the comedian.
"The individuals specifically receiving offers are established stars," commented another comedian. "Recent times haven't been a challenging period for established comedians."
Social Evolution
Performers join others who have taken up large sums of money from the Kingdom's authorities in recent years.
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