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"Performers delivered risqué humor, and gender-related humor. Such content is rare to experience these types of comedy here in Saudi Arabia."

That's how an international attendee characterized the performances she's seen at the pioneering Saudi comedy showcase.

"The reception was phenomenal," she commented, following performances from international performers Dave Chappelle and Bill Burr.

Performance Parameters

The attendee - identified as Sara - stated the performers steered clear of touching upon the nation's contentious rights situation.

"Residents show little interest about these matters," she explained. "Were that the case, they wouldn't call this home."

Beyond the Kingdom, views vary considerably.

Famous comedians including Jack Whitehall, Kevin Hart, Jimmy Carr have been intensely criticised from fellow artists for accepting invitations at the event.

Audience Reactions

Among the earliest attendees present was an audience member, not his real name.

He saw the comedy shows with companions, and is booked in to see Jimmy Carr later.

"The first comic for Bill Burr included a ten-minute segment which was focused on sexual content."

Zain, who calls the city home, expressed surprise to hear jokes like this in a state famous for conservative social norms.

"It's astonishing performers were sharing these jokes in Saudi," he commented. "Numerous residents haven't seen a stand-up in their lives, let alone something that daring."

Comedy Material

Yet the material were well received, he mentioned. "In front of me, [there was a group] of local Saudi women, and the entire group was amused."

Chappelle's set was also controversial, according to Sara, with plenty of material about trans people.

She noted this material is "unprecedented" to experience such comedy in the Gulf state.

According to spectators that the comedian joked about elements of Saudi culture.

"He comically mentioned cultural garments, and female motorists. Additionally, he performed a segment about local residents' perceptions."

Content Restrictions

Then there's what's not being said.

Fans we've spoken to mentioned the events "totally sidestepped" any mention of the Kingdom's leadership.

Ahead of the festival, advocacy groups argued the showcase constituted a move by the national leadership to "polish its reputation.

Comedian Atsuko Okatsuka, who refused an offer to appear, revealed portions from a agreement that reportedly contained bans on any content that could "criticize or insult the Kingdom's monarchy or religious institutions.

British comedian Rosie Holt says content limitations are uncommon for comedians to receive similar material limitations.

"I've only heard occasionally at performances at universities," she mentioned. "However, these are rare rather than standard practice."

Philosophical Debates

When the showcase occurs has been noted by its opponents.

When it's happening, from the end of September, align with the seventh anniversary of the murder of the journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

"The same guy that's gonna pay [the comedians] is the same guy that paid that individual to bone-saw the journalist," said entertainer Marc Maron.

"According to traditional wisdom, that comedy speaks truth to power," she commented. "Many performers are strong advocates of open dialogue, and to participate in this nation, where expression faces limitations, is extraordinary. This creates moral questions."

Payment Issues

Some comedians have openly stated about what's drawn them to Saudi - financial compensation.

"They're paying me enough money to overlook concerns," US comedian Tim Dillon commented online.

The comedian, who claims he was dismissed from the festival 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 participate in the showcase. "I made an ethical decision," he said.

"People don't choose performing for the monetary gain," says Holt.

"Those exclusively getting opportunities are established stars," noted an entertainer. "The current period isn't a tough year for successful performers."

Cultural Transformation

It's not only comedians who have taken up significant payments from the Saudi government in recent years.

As part of its identity that has been heavily dependent on oil, the nation is working to diversify itself across various fields.

The national development strategy, spearheaded by the royal figure, includes funnelling money into {sectors such as|areas including|fields