The University Theater Festival, an essential event for students passionate about dramatic arts, will take place from July 8 to 11, 2024, at the LAU Beirut campus.
The 19th edition of the University Theater Festival, organized by the Department of Communication, Arts, and Languages at the Lebanese American University (LAU), will run from Monday, July 8, to Thursday, July 11, 2024, at the Beirut campus. This highly anticipated event will bring together students from various Lebanese universities, offering a unique platform to perform, exchange ideas, share experiences, and connect with peers and theater professionals.
The festival will open in style on Monday, July 8, at 8:15 PM with a concert by the LAU choir titled “Sahretna 3ala Daraj el Ward” (Our Evening on the Rose Steps), directed by Michele El-Chemaly. This performance will be held outdoors at the Safadi Fine Arts on the LAU Beirut campus, kicking off four days of celebration of university theater.
This year’s program promises to be rich and varied, featuring performances from the Lebanese University (LU), Beirut Arab University (BAU), Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), and LAU. The plays, presented in Arabic and English, will be held in the Gulbenkian and Irwin theaters, as well as outdoors. Highlights include “La Misérable,” “tick, tick… BOOM,” and a performance by the LAU Music Club with violinist Ahmad Chahine. The performances will range from 25 to 75 minutes, showcasing the diversity and talent of the university troupes.
In addition to the plays, the festival will also offer workshops and conferences led by renowned professionals. On July 9, Khaled El Abdallah will conduct a workshop on vocal techniques for actors. On July 11, Hasan Sadek will lead a workshop titled “Crafting Scenography.” These 120-minute sessions will be held in rooms SFA 204 and 205, providing participants with the opportunity to learn and improve under expert guidance.
The festival will also feature concerts and musical performances by the LAU and Qadisha choirs, as well as the LAU Music Club. This unique fusion of theater, art, and culture promises an enriching experience for all participants and visitors.
Admission to the festival is free, allowing everyone to enjoy this major cultural event. Performances and activities will take place from 2 PM to 10 PM over the four days of the festival, offering numerous opportunities to discover student talent and immerse oneself in the world of university theater.
The University Theater Festival at LAU is a must-attend event for all drama enthusiasts, students, and the general public. It offers a unique opportunity to discover new talents, explore different forms of theatrical expression, and celebrate the richness of the Lebanese university theater scene. Don’t miss this exceptional event from July 8 to 11, 2024, on the LAU Beirut campus.
For more information, you can contact the organizers at 01–791314/03–791314 Ext: 1172 or by email at theatre.festival@lau.edu.lb.
