The Drama Spring Production "All in the Timing"

The Drama Program at the American University of Kuwait (AUK) selected All in the Timing, by David Ives, as this year's play for the annual Spring theatre production. The production was held at the Black Box Theatre in AUK and was directed by Assistant Professor of Theatre/Drama, Dr. Kathleen R. Downs, under the auspice of the Music and Drama Department.

The performance featured veteran AUK actors Omar Al-Farsi, Abdulmajid El-Kassem, Yousef Nayef and Sundes Al Blushi, as well as newcomers Rama Sabbagh, Maryam Hassanein, Raghda Rustom, Nezar Al Tabaa and Tariq Al-Haji. Heya Al Jouda and Renad Al Roudham, who usually assume behind-the-scenes roles in previous productions, returned to the Black Box as actors, yet still maintained their previous responsibilities by furnishing the production with props and costumes. The production crew also included Ken Downs, who managed sound, lights and set design, and Sundes Al Blushi who was responsible for the poster design and PR.

The production was done in repertory; a performance method in which the actors played multiple roles in a series of seven one-act plays. "The ensemble of thirteen players immersed themselves in the characters they portrayed and helped each other with their various duties as they worked together to produce the show," explained Dr. Downs

Ives' play uses verbal interplay, ineffective communication and slapstick humor to shine a light on the absurdity of the human condition. The play balances comedic timing and genuine pathos as the characters confront issues such as death, identity and dating. Throughout the four sold-out performances, lighting techniques, costume changes, sound editing and props set-up, the ensemble was able to transform the stage quickly after each scene to set up for the scenes that followed.

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 the performing arts courses. 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 1st June 2015

Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2015