A recent edition of the “MTSU On the Record” radio program revealed that there’s more to Saudi Arabian art and entertainment than Western media have depicted.

Dr. Sean Foley

Host Gina Logue’s interview with Dr. Sean Foley, a professor of history at MTSU, first aired May 19 on WMOT-FM Roots Radio 89.5 and www.wmot.org.

You can listen to their conversation via the Soundcloud link above.

Part one of the two-part interview about Foley’s book “Changing Saudi Arabia: Art, Culture, and Society in the Kingdom” first aired May 12. In it, the professor explained how artists ranging from muralists to stand-up comedians are communicating thoughts that have previously considered taboo in the monarchy.

You can find that conversation here.

Part two covers how motion pictures and television are depicting aspects of Saudi life at odds with stereotypes of repression and lack of progress.

Foley said the challenge for modern Saudis is to express themselves in ways that respect both honesty and societal harmony.

“Saudi Arabia … is a society of many tribes, different types of communities and tribes within the country itself,” Foley said, “so part of what they’re looking for is finding a way to make tribalism work in the contemporary world.”

To hear previous “MTSU On the Record” programs, visit the searchable “Audio Clips” archives at www.mtsunews.com.

For more information about the radio program, contact Logue at 615-898-5081 or WMOT-FM at 615-898-2800.