SAUDI ARABIA: Thousands of Saudi men are entertained by the country's top comics as the nascent comedy scene begins to flourish in the conservative Kingdom

Record ID: 830858

  • Title: SAUDI ARABIA: Thousands of Saudi men are entertained by the country's top comics as the nascent comedy scene begins to flourish in the conservative Kingdom
  • Date: 9th March 2012
  • Summary: IBRAHIM AL-KHAIRALLAH MAKING FUN OF "CITRUS" -- THE SAUDI NAME FOR ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AUDIENCE LAUGHING VARIOUS OF CHILDREN LAUGHING IBRAHIM AL-KHAIRALLAH ENDING HIS SHOW / AUDIENCE GREETING HIM
  • Embargoed: 24th March 2012 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabia
  • Country: Saudi Arabia
  • Topics: Entertainment
  • Reuters ID: LVA8M3KFEGGW0G226YL9XG9ZGBMC
  • Story Text: When the local authorities in Saudi capital Riyadh organised a free comedy show, bringing together the country's top comics, they had little idea just how huge the event would be.
    Nearly 10,000 young Saudi men turned up at the city's King Fahd Cultural Centre, some trying to jump over fences. Many had to eventually go back disappointed.
    The centre had to continue the show in a second theatre hall via large screens to accommodate the estimated 7,000 people who managed to get in.
    On the stage were five of the country's top acts, and one from neighbouring Bahrain. Although the comedy scene is new in the Kingdom, many of the comedians have a huge following on social media websites such as YouTube.
    Fahad al-Butairi's show "La Yekther" (Don't talk too much) on YouTube has made him a sensation.
    Badr al-Saleh is the star of "Ish Eli "(What is?) and Ibrahim al-Khairalla is best known for his "Arab got Talent" programme and as presenter of Khairo show.
    The men said despite their stardom, they were surprised to see the large turnout.
    "(It) shocked me -- not only surprised me, the audience of Riyadh. I did not expect that we will fill one theatre with 3,600 seats. The two theatres were full and many people were still outside. I was shocked. I didn't expect this to happen with only three days of advertising," said Khairalla.
    The actors addressed several social issues in Saudi life, especially touching upon topics of interest to the youth, who comprised a majority of audience.
    "Most of the topics I spoke about are social issues. As an individual from this community, these are the issues I am facing. I am sure that many young people understand because they have been through it as well. We rely on social issues more than the political ones," said comic Fahad al-Butairi.
    In keeping with the strict social codes in the country, only men were allowed to attend the show. A majority of them were between 18 and 25. The comedians, who also are young, said they strike a chord with the country's youth, who have little opportunities for entertainment.
    "We know what young people feel. Seventy-five percent of Saudi people are young, we are closer to them than the older comedians, I think this is the reason that brought them to us, as well as YouTube which helped us a lot to become famous," said Khairallah.
    Riyadh is more conservative than other Saudi cities, such as Jeddah, where women can sometimes attend public performances. Cinemas are banned in Saudi Arabia.
    With such performances a rarity in Saudi Arabia, the audience were delighted to be treated to such a show.
    "Excellent performance, excellent attendance, excellent organisation, thanks to the municipality of Riyadh and thanks to the organisers for the wonderful performance," said one fan, Mohammed al-Tamemi.
    The municipality says it plans to organise more such events.
    "Riyadh Municipality is keen to have a new addition every year to allow greater opportunity for the youth to attend such events. Stand-up comedy -- this is happening for the first time this year under the umbrella of the Riyadh municipality with free entry," said Khaled al-Atieh, the head of the organising committee.
    Stand-up comedies started to gain ground in the country a few years ago, and are now enjoying growing popularity.
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