The Drama Program at AUK presents "Long Ago and Not So Far Away"

The Drama Program at the American University of Kuwait (AUK) presented its annual Spring theatre production, Long Ago and Not So Far Away, at the Black Box Theatre, located on AUK's campus. The play was adapted from Dr. Craig Loomis' short story collection, The Salmiya Collection, by Kendall F. Downs to create original theatre in Kuwait. The production was directed by Assistant Professor of Theatre/Drama, Dr. Kathleen R. Downs, under the auspice of the Music and Drama Department.

The production included performances by many veteran AUK actors: Omar Al-Farsi, Nada Helmy, Natasha Sharma, Maria Lambert, Ratab Shehadeh, Mohammed Al-Saeed, Alison Koushki, Tori Danner, Talal Faraj and Khaled Ghaffar. The show also included newcomers to the University's theatre community: Abdulmajid El-Kassem, Ali Kelkawi, Rabab Al-Shamaa and Abdullah AlGharabelly. Samer Abou Zeid, a veteran actor from last semester's play, accompanied the performers on drums. The production crew included Khaled Al Nuwaishri on lights, Abdullah AlGharabelly on sound, Myriam Qutop on makeup with Ken Downs completing the ensemble with set and poster design.

The theatrical ensemble was comprised of Dr. Downs' DRAM 360 production class, with the rest of the company being volunteers who met for six weeks during the semester, immersing themselves in the characters they portrayed.

Loomis' play centers around nine vignettes that portray everyday scenarios in Kuwaiti culture. In celebration of the 10th anniversary of AUK's inception, the play examines the world that we are engaged in at the American University of Kuwait. Dr. Loomis' stories were insightful and humorous observations of our antics in this world, conveyed to the audience by the talented group of performers. In addition to the acting, the stage was quickly transformed after each scene by the ensemble's use of lights, costumes, makeup, sound, and Props.

The AUK community seemed to enjoy entering the magical world of theatre and actors for four sold out performances. They look forward to the next theatrical event, planned for the Fall semester of 2014.

The Department of Music and Drama offers a wide range of opportunities for both beginning and advanced students within the context of a liberal arts education. The Music and Drama faculty of talented professionals work closely with students to prepare them for campus concerts and plays, and to academically challenge them in courses on performing arts. The department fosters artistic proficiency, cultural appreciation, a sense of community, and a lifelong commitment to the arts.

Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 25th May 2014

Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2014