The Odd Couple at AUK

The Drama Program at the American University of Kuwait (AUK) presented its production of Neil Simon's The Odd Couple, performed at The Black Box Theatre on AUK's Salmiya campus.

Simon's comedy was directed by AUK's new Assistant Professor of Drama, Dr. Kathleen R. Downs, under the auspice of the newly formed Music and Drama Department. It included such veteran AUK actors as Nader Abdullah and Yousef Nayef. Newcomers to the University's theatre community include Eamon Issa, Amran Aldallal, Yacoub Aljaffrey, Ken Downs, Nouf Al Mazidi, and Tori Danner. The production crew included stage manager Nouf Al Mazidi and assistant stage manager and acting understudy Mohammed Al-Saeed, with Mariam Al Refai on costumes and Mohammad Saleh manning the light and sound boards.

The company met nightly for close to two months as they diligently learned lines, rehearsed movement and improvised comedic situations to delight audiences of all ages. The play was performed before a sold out house on three of the four nights of the show.

Despite limited space, the troupe ably performed comedic gags and slapstick routines as they struggled with the question of whether two completely opposite roommates could live amicably together. The story of the two roommates, Oscar Madison and Felix Ungar, has been performed all over the world since the original 1965 production. It also has been made into two television series, a cartoon series and a movie.

AUK is proud to have continued the saga of the two mismatched roommates, who not only survive each other but learn to grow and develop as a result of their friendship. The AUK community looks forward to the next theatrical event, planned for the Spring semester of 2013.

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 5th February 2013