The Anticipated Brechtian Musical Postponed Till Next Fall

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In a meeting held with students on Feb. 24, the theatre department decided to postpone their major production of Brecht’s famous epic play “Caucasian Chalk Circle.”

The musical was set to be directed by a guest director brought in from the US. However, following the Jan. 25 events, the department had to change their plans for the spring semester. Jeanne Arnold, the director of the theatre program at AUC, explained that that the play was not cancelled, but rather postponed until they can find another time slot in which the guest director is free and the university can afford to put on the play.

Arnold, along with professors Frank Bradley and Stancil Campbell, added that they did not postpone it because of budget cuts or because the guest director was unwilling to come to Egypt. In fact they stated that the director was more than willing to come to Egypt

and even offered to direct another play. Instead of “Caucasian Chalk Circle,” they decided to have the three students in the Directing II class direct a one-act play each.

The plays will be chosen by the students in conjunction with Dr. Frank Bradley.

Mira Habib, a theatre sophomore, was upset with the decision: “I was very disappointed when I found out that the play got postponed. It was going to be such a big event that everyone in the department was looking forward to.

“I don’t believe, though, that in the midst of everything that is happening in the country at the moment it is the safest thing to do. I also believe that postponing it might (push) the faculty to plan and come up with (better) ideas to make this production worth (waiting for).”

Dr. Mahmoud El Lozy, a professor in the theatre department, affirmed that his Arabic play “Meneen Ageeb Elnas” (Where do I Rally Support) will be performed. He added that even if complications arise the play will be performed in another venue.

Rasheed Idou, a political science junior and actor in “Meneen Ageeb Elnas” said: “I am not saying this because I act in the play, but I think they made a good choice to perform ‘Meneen Ageeb Elnas’ as it talks about topics that are very close to what is happening around us.”