Issue 1 Lebanese American University 2016-2017 ConnecCOMMUNICATION ARTS Tions

#ReinventCommunication Department of Communication Arts

THEY SAY IT’S NEWS WE SAY IT’S EMPOWERMENT

Photo: Mahmoud Nakib #REINVENT COMMUNICATION B.A. and Minor in Multimedia Journalism

LAUCOMM [email protected] - comm.lau.edu.lb Department

Jad Melki, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Chairperson

Why #ReinventCommunication? Examine communication programs around the world, and you will notice two groups. The first struggles with low enrollment, program closures, faculty layoffs, and a feeling of anxiety and uncertainty about the future of the communication disciplines and the industry. Examples include Emory University, University of Colorado, and Florida International University, all three of which have recently closed down communication programs. In contrast, another group thrives with record enrollment, new innovative multidisciplinary programs, and old restructured and expanded programs. Take Columbia University’s new Data Journalism M.A. that all but brags about its $100,000+ tuition per year. Another is Northeastern University’s new M.A. in Journalism and Media Innovation, which is run by the College of Arts, Media and Design and houses an eclectic selection of disciplines, including architecture, art, design, communication, game design, journalism, film, music, and theater. Then there is Boston-based Emerson College’s new MA in Civic Media, Art and Practice and its recently inaugurated $85 million building in Los Angeles that hosts several film studios and performance spaces. Several programs in the performing arts are also thriving: Enrollment at Stockton University’s Performing Arts programs is booming, especially the Dance program, and the Music program at Stony Book University continues to expand. Both of these groups face the same objective situation and see the same risks and problems, yet each reacts in a drastically different way. One group looks at the industry’s struggle to find a sustainable business model and cites closing newspapers as a sign of doom, while the other group views this historic moment as an exciting opportunity for contributing to the change and to reshaping the future of communication. One group, complacent and stagnant, clings on to the past, resists innovation, and is terrified of change, while the other embraces the uncertainty of change, accepts its risks, and charges ahead with a growth mindset and an innovative outlook that reframes communication degrees and moves the field into uncharted arenas. Something separates these two groups at a fundamental level. It is a spirit of academic innovation, intellectual courage, and selfless dedication, fueled by a visceral awareness of the need for academia to continuously reinvent itself or risk stagnation and irrelevance. Our motto #ReinventCommunication embodies this same spirit. It is an internal guiding light that directs us to a path of continuous innovation and cautions us from falling into complacency and stag- nation. It is an external signpost that reminds us of the rough and perilous path ahead, yet also fills us with a sense of excitement, dedication and discovery, and demands from us hard work, patience, creativity, and resourcefulness. And I can confidently say, the Department of Communication Arts has been true to this motto. Faculty, staff, students, and alumni have accepted the challenge and full-heartedly joined the struggle to #Re- inventCommunication. In the past 18 months, we have successfully reinvented ourselves on almost every level. Education International Festivals, Concerts

Our traditional B.A. in Communication Arts has Education and Productions been restructured into four B.A. degrees (Televi- sion and Film, Multimedia Journalism, Commu- nication, and Performing Arts) and four minors The department has developed and expanded The department’s rich offering of theatrical per- (Multimedia Journalism, Advertising and Public multiple international programs, with many formances has expanded into multidisciplinary Relations, Performing Arts, and Audiovisual Pro- more on the way, thanks to the support of Dina performances, with many more music, dance, duction). More curricular developments will be Abdul Rahman, head of the International Ser- and acting workshops and productions offered unveiled soon, including M.A. degrees, multidis- vices, and the encouragement of Elise Salem, throughout the year. Thanks to the gigantic ciplinary minors, and post-graduate diplomas. Ph.D., vice president of Student Development efforts of our Performing Arts faculty members & Enrollment Management. Our international Amr Selim and Nadra Assaf and the keen sup- programs now include the Salzburg Academy port of our staff Hala Masri, Fouad Anka and summer program that has graduated over George Chdid, the 19-year-old Theater Festival 43 LAU students so far, the Danish School of has been restructured into Festival NEXT and Journalism and Media that is supported by an now incorporates all our disciplines with the Erasmus+ scholarship, the Media and Digital goal of engaging other departments, including Literacy Academy of Beirut (MDLAB) that puts literature, poetry, fashion, and design. This year LAU at the center of Lebanese and Arab media Selim also led the conception and launching of education, as well as exchange agreements the Imagine Summer Arts Camp for middle and with Stockton University, Bournemouth Uni- high school students. The camp enrolled double versity, Free Berlin University, and Kent State the number of anticipated participants. Many of University. our performances are now conducted on both campuses and even off campus. Lina Abyad’s play Can’t Pay, Won’t Pay was performed in Trip- oli and Nabatieh. Our music productions and concerts have quadrupled, thanks to the efforts of our music faculty, especially Selim, Martin Facilities Loyato, Joseph Khalife, and Seba Ali. Moreover, the department is extending support to our alumni productions and inviting more local, After weeks of planning and discussion, a regional and international artists to perform on committee of faculty, staff, students and alumni Communication, Fundraising campus. Alumnus (and instructor) Omar Mou- developed a master plan to acquire new produc- jaes has brought several school plays to cam- tion equipment, renovate our decrepit facilities pus, while alumnus Awad Awad has produced and studios, and establish new work spaces Promotion and an LAU-sponsored play that now is making the The department has made the bold step of and labs. The journalism lab received a major rounds throughout the country. Overall, our facelift along with new iMacs. Two new multipur- entering the challenging arena of fundraising, productions and performances have increased Outreach which has allowed us to implement many more pose digital media labs, one in Beirut and one in frequency, quality, attendance, and exposure. in Byblos, were established for housing courses projects and expand our footprint regionally More importantly, true collaboration among with programs such as the Media and Digital in editing, multimedia journalism, music pro- faculty in this arena is slowly but surely becom- duction, and sound for film. Thanks to Martin In Spring 2017, we launched our first major Literacy Academy of Beirut (MDLAB) that hosted ing the norm. promotion campaign, led by three faculty this summer 75 Arab and international media Loyato’s persistent efforts, the new lab in the members, Nasser Chour, Monika Halkort, and academics, journalists, activists, and students. Safadi Fine Arts building will house for the first Amr Selim, along with the immense support of In 18 months, we raised almost $850,000. This time a music recording and production course, our staff Annie Tabakian and Samer Beyhum, made us the second highest department in in addition to a Sound for Film course led by and more than 50 students. The centerpiece funds raised in the School of Arts and Scienc- Sarah Kaskas. Thanks to the continuous efforts of the campaign is a six-minute video produced es last year. A big thank you here goes to the of staff members Farid Boustany and Samer fully in-house. The magazine you are reading sustained dedication of Associate Director of Beyhum and the strong support of the Facilities is also an integral part of this strategy and Development Suha Abou Rialy. Our generous Management Department, especially Joseph could not have been put together without the donors include the Norwegian Embassy, the Shebaya and Dania Dibsi, our department now dedication and talent of Claudia Kozman and German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), has cutting-edge equipment and facilities to her students. In addition, our old website has DW Akademie, the European Union, Free Press serve students’ needs on both campuses and in been redesigned from scratch and integrated Unlimited, Media in Cooperation and Transition, all programs. Our music classrooms have been into an efficient and comprehensive communi- the Italian Embassy, the Salzburg Global Semi- renovated and all our facilities and equipment cation strategy that presents a coherent visual nar, Fransabank, USAID, the Lebanese Ministry reservations can now be done online. All these identity and incorporates brochures, posters, of Information, Heinrich Böll Foundation, and continued renovations and acquisitions will cost and a large array of social media and traditional the UNESCO. over $1 million by the end of this year. communication tools. As a result, our internal communication is more consistent, and our ex- ternal communication with potential students, alumni, donors, the media, and the community is more effective, thanks to the guidance of the office of Marketing and Communication, espe- cially AVP Gabriel Abiad and Assistant Director Zeina Abdallah. Staff

We rely heavily on our staff to handle many diverse tasks and duties, from training students, to helping with facilities and equipment, and running per- formances and concerts, just to name a few. We continue to work on reinventing their job descrip- tions and finding roles that are more effective and fulfilling for them. One example is Annie Tabakian’s refocusing of her role from the TV/Film program to the Multimedia Journalism and Communication degrees, in addition to handling the colossal task of coordinating the department’s communication and promotion efforts. Another is TV/Film studio technician Rima Mirdas, who now also coordinates internships and job placement. George Chdid, whose main task was focused on constructing theater sets, now also supports film students in their fieldwork. The capable Hala Masri and Nicolas Daou, who were mainly focused on theater are now covering all performing arts productions and coor- dinating with staff and faculty in journalism, TV/ Film, and communication. Farid Boustani’s effective management of the Beirut TV and Film studios and equipment now also covers equipment for the multimedia journalism and communication pro- grams, while Sami Fayad’s skillful handling of the Byblos TV studio now covers the newly established digital media lab. We have also been tremendously Faculty Final Statement lucky in finding the highly talented and energetic Samer Beyhum, who has tirelessly worked with our faculty, students and staff to elevate the level of our facilities, productions and classes. I am also Our top-notch and dedicated body of facul- Early indicators of success are already starting to surface. Enrollment is picking up after several years personally grateful for the hard work of academic ty members has expanded and new faces, of attrition. The number of students enrolled in our four majors increased by 4 percent this year, and assistant Houry Gostanian who has proved time and methods, and philosophies have enriched our this fall’vs soft launch of the new B.A. in Communication already attracted 18 students. Just two again her ability to competently handle my barrage department’s v, research and produc-tions. semesters after launching our minors, 85 students enrolled in them. In Fall 2016, our department of requests in Beirut, as well as Lisa Hardan who We are tremendously fortunate to attract offered 89 courses. This Fall (2017) we offered 131 courses—27 of which are Oral Communication has recently joined our department as academic new high-caliber full-time faculty, including sections, a course that moved from the English Department to our custodianship this year. Student assistant in Byblos, working hard with Associate Nasser Chour, a veteran TV/Film professor awards are also on the rise, as well as the quality of their work. Participation of our students in study Chairperson Nadra Assaf. from Villanova University, Claudia Kozman, abroad programs drastically jumped from a handful of students two years ago to over 45 students this an experienced journalist and capable re- past year, and so did the number of international and Arab students in our courses and programs. searcher who received her Ph.D. from Indiana University, and accomplished musician Amr So many more changes I did not list here have taken place in the department, and none of them Selim who studied at Stony Brook University. could have been possible without the steadfast support and unwavering trust of our university leader- And joining us in Fall 2017 are Sarah Kaskas, ship, especially President Joseph G. Jabbra, Provost George Najjar, VP Elise Salem, and Dean Nashat an award-winning documentary filmmak- Mansour, as well as numerous other colleagues throughout the university. Their guidance, help and er and talented sound expert, and visiting blessing have offered the strongest motivation to building an ambitious departmental strategic plan faculty Gabriele Cosentino, a researcher in that aims for “national leadership and regional preeminence… and ultimately global influence.” political communication and media studies who got his Ph.D. from New York University. We realize that we still have a long way to fulfill this promise. In the upcoming year, we will continue A large number of part-time faculty members to reinvent ourselves. We will optimize our current programs by ensuring a balance between theory, has also joined the department recently. We professional practice, scientific research and critical inquiry, and by developing new programs at the entrust them with teaching our courses. Their undergraduate and graduate levels, locally and internationally. We hope to launch our first M.A. pro- connection with the profession and dedica- gram in Fall 2018 and continue to build our research capacity as well as our multidisciplinary artistic tion to our students elevate our teaching and output. We will not shy away from constructing the best production and research facilities, hiring top- strengthen our connection with the industry notch academics, and acquiring the most up-to-date equipment and tools that our students deserve. and the community. We view the Communication Arts as a flagship program at LAU and hope to celebrate accomplish- ments worthy of this status by the 50th anniversary of our department in 2020. Chair, Department of Communication Arts Jad Melki

Editor-in-Chief Claudia Kozman

Assistant Editors Fatima Al Mahmoud Sally Farhat Nadra Assaf, Ph.D. Contributing Writers Fatima Al Mahmoud Milya Chehayeb Assistant Professor, Associate Chairperson Sally Farhat Zubaida Jamal Ahmad Karakira It has been a whirlwind period for our department, and now that we are coming to the end of these two years under a new leadership, I have to Ghida Ladkani admit the trip has been a brilliant one. A few days ago a colleague asked me to sum up in a few words what exactly has happened during this Production Coordinator period and after thought I replied with our hashtag “reinvent communica- tion.” I truly think that is what we are doing and this two-year time period Annie Tabakian was simply the stepping stone to the rocket launch. Copyeditor A few words about what I have seen different on the Byblos campus: Hanan Nasser More and new faculty, more performances, more and better equipment and facilities, longer working hours which has led to a much more active campus, more student-faculty interaction, and of course more collegial Graphic Designers and academic support. Jenna Chami All of this was made a reality because of the wonderfully dedicated Nidal Bou Ghanem people (faculty, staff and students) in our department. I am thankful and proud, and I stress the second word much more. I am so proud of what Photographers has taken place during this restructuring phase, and I am looking forward to the future of the LAU Communication Arts Department. Khaled Abi Jomaa Samer Beyhun Karl Bou Rjeily Zeina Fakhreddine Leil Fouladkar Sami Haddad Youssef Itani Jamilla Tabbara Muaz Tellawi

Proudly created by Communication Arts students, staff and faculty at LAU 01 Curricula 05 Strategic Plan 05 Facilties & Equipment 07 Course Coordination 07 Institute of Media Research and Training 08 Media & Digital Literacy Academy of Beirut Department 09 Study Abroad Students 11 Awards Faculty 13 New Faculty Members Happenings 21 Major Productions 31 Student Film Screenings 34 Student Theater Productions 37 Major Events 47 Workshops 48 Faculty Events 51 Other Events 53 Off-Campus Events 1 Department basic journalismskillsandtheoriesinasfew astwo semesters. studentsfromJournalism offers to any learn majortheopportunity also equips studentsfor graduate studies.TheMinorinMultimedia cutting edgefacilities inavibrantteaching environment. Theprogram of thefield,suchasinvestigative anddatajournalism,provides print, broadcast, andmultimedianews, attheforefront courses offers preparesstudentsforand aMinorinJournalism.OurB.A. in careers practices intheindustry. Theprogram both offers aBachelorofArts boundaries andensurestudentsgainexposure to thelatest trendsand journalism, theMultimediaJournalismprogram strives to pushthe From investigative to interactive reporting designanddata-driven Multimedia Journalism Curricula

producers, directors, anddirectors sounddesigners, ofphotography. equipment, aswell aspreparesstudentsto aswriters, careers pursue various production roles andtasks.Itprovides cutting edgefacilities and filmsas well as showsproduce andshort experience the anddirectTV industries. Thishands-onintensive program requires studentsto production, creative, andmanagerialprofessions andfilm intheTV conceptual knowledge andprepares studentsfor work inthevarious producers, practicalskillsand Thedegreeoffers anddesigners. inTelevisionOur B.A. andFilmhasgraduated generations ofdirectors, Television andFilm 2 3 Department approaches andpublicrelationsprofessions. usedintheadvertising communication insociety themainconcepts,methods, andunderstand and acquire basiccompetencies andskillsthathelpthemdiscern therole of profession andpublicrelations.Studentswill andpracticeofadvertising andPublicRelationsAdvertising introduces students from any majorto the Students may focus ononlyoneoramixofthesethreeareas.TheMinorin Communication, andInterpersonal andOrganizationalCommunication. covers andPublicRelations, threeareas:Advertising SocialandPolitical andPublicRelations. inCommunication and aMinorinAdvertising TheB.A. inCommunication The Communicationprogram aBachelorofArts offers Communication

Performing Arts our threeprofessionally equipped theaters inBeirutandByblos. work, of theircourse themforprepare plays andperform thepublicat aspart Eachsemester,international artists. studentsmajoringinPerforming Arts to interactstudents theopportunity andwork withprofessional localand sessions inthedifferent aspectsoftheater, music,anddance,provides onaregularbasis,various offers, workshops andtraining The department any majorbasicskillsandcompetencies indance,music,andtheater. for studentsfrom offers graduate studies.TheMinorinPerforming Arts teachers, managers, anddirectors. Theprogramart alsopreparesstudents actors, producers, artists, asperformers, careers lights. Studentspursue voice training,bodymovement, with writing,technical skills,andcrafting covers TheB.A. awiderangeofskills,includingacting, in Performing Arts. andaMinor program both offers aBachelor ofArts The Performing Arts

4 Department Department

Department Strategic Plan Our strategic plan includes many exciting new projects and programs. The department will venture into graduate studies in Fall 2018. We are developing several multidisciplinary M.A.s and MFAs focused on multimedia and digital innovation, film and television, and performing arts education and entrepreneurship. In Fall 2017, we inaugurated two multipurpose media labs for our booming TV/Film production, journalism, and music courses. A new film studio, virtual TV sets, and renovation of our theaters are also in the plans, and a whole lot more production equipment and research facilities are on the way, not to mention amazing performances, festivals and celebrations—culminating in our 50th anniversary extravaganza in 2020.

SFA Studio

Journalism Lab

Facilities & Equipment Studio, Byblos Selina Korban Theater The Department of Communication Arts accommodates several facilities, including theaters, studios, and labs. LAU houses the Irwin and Gulbenkian theaters on its Beirut campus and Selina Kurban Theater on its Byblos campus. Students are provided with two fully equipped TV and production studios on each campus with the advantage of borrowing DSLR cameras with top notch lighting and sound equipment. The department also offers students access to a specialized Journalism Lab that houses 26 iMacs and a new lab in the Safadi Fine Arts studio that includes PCs and iMacs with the latest editing software on the Beirut campus.

Irwin Theater SFA Lab 6 5 Gulbenkian Theater Department 8 www.mdlab.center. , the Media and Digital Literacy Academy of Beirut Academy , the Media and Digital Literacy 2013 Established in radicalization and extremist youth on countering (MDLAB) focuses on that focus research training, curricula, and providing ideologies by themes, lessons, and case and integrates media and digital literacy, and human rights. peace, equality, justice, studies that promote of political division, issues Since its launch, MDLAB has targeted ideologies in the Arab region within the sectarianism, and extremist advance aims to education. The academy of media literacy context build media literate education in the region and help media literacy communities. MDLAB empowered individuals, engaged citizens, and short and several summer academy a two-week annually convenes experts, Arab academics, international that bring together workshops study media literacy, journalists, and activists to students, teachers, thinking and critical and promote curricula, locally rooted develop curricula, research, MDLAB also develops citizen media empowerment. and lectures, research, and multimedia, and publishes all its work, on online in a free and open environment materials Media & Digital Literacy Literacy Media & Digital Beirut of Academy

Institute of Media Research Media Research of Institute (IMRT) and Training training, media research, for center is an interdisciplinary IMRT and media content research produce We and advocacy. production, politics, economics, media shape and are shaped by how that examines training that and offer programs media literacy and cultures; develop ethical, for media education in the region; and advocate advances and practices and a communication laws and equitable professional, free media environment. and critical thinking communities with creative empower aim to We and help them become civically engaged skills and digital competencies of media power harnessing the global citizens capable of innovatively human rights, peace, and social justice. advance to technologies the Department of Communication Arts the course implemented with the goal of achieving in its music classes, strategy coordination – sections of the courses among the multiple balance and uniformity of Western particularly Music and Survey Middle Eastern of the Survey of Arts Performing members,Music. Led by assistant professors faculty aimed DMA, Ph.D., and Amr Selim, music, Martin the initiative Loyato, format the same assure all sections follow to at unifying course content students provide as to assessment, as well and of content in terms are enrolled of the section they regardless experience with an equal was this project the task of coordination, in. Besides course content departmental about the various among activities raise awareness to in a larger community involved fields and create other students from performing arts. of course coordination After a successful semester a instructors, sections’ various that relied on the cooperation of the the goal of solving with will follow assessment of the project thorough the of education to persisting and further issues the level elevating standards. required Course Coordination Course and learning, in teaching excellence for that strive plans Among its new

7 Department Department 10 . It is open to 5. It is open to to August August to

summer abroad program program summer abroad 16 comm.lau.edu.lb/salzburg Salzburg Academy Salzburg three-week is a three-week The Salzburg Academy July running from in Salzburg, Austria, from students university or other LAU and undergraduate graduate courses in global media two all majors. six credits for Students earn The courses may industry. any to as skills transferrable as well literacy students interact During the program, free electives. count as major or with friends, artists, winners and Nobel Prize and Pulitzer Prize from participants weeks, three in dine and study live, the globe. For around places on Earth.one of the most beautiful the chance also get Students that coincides with Music Festival Salzburg the world-famous enjoy to the program. undergraduate credits in multimedia and TV undergraduate journalism or 15

Journalism Danish School of Media and of School Danish The Danish School of Media and Journalism (DMJX) is one of the The Danish School of Media and Journalism Students can media in the world. leading schools of journalism and earn combines program The one semester communication. in corporate study in which students learn news journalistic training with intensive reporting hands-on courses through skills and digital media storytelling Students also visit EU and professionals. instructors with world-class Commission, and European Parliament the European institutions like leaders, EU commissioners, and members of the EU world and meet apply may and undergraduates, students, graduates, LAU Parliament. the spring semester. for September or by semester fall the for March by Study Abroad Study The Department Arts of Communication offers study abroad multiple Journalism the Danish School of Media and These include programs. and Stockton in Austria, the Salzburg Academy (DMJX) in Denmark, music. and dance, theater, for Jersey New in southern University In addition, the department will soon start a study abroad offering Utrecht in the of Applied Sciences University in Hogeschool program abroad about the study an impression gives The following Netherlands. the departmentprograms offers School of Media and in the Danish Salzburg Academy. Journalism and in

9 Department Awards Students performing during Festival Next Gulbenkian Theater, LAU Beirut Students

Awards Kourken Papazian Michelle Tannous

Kourken Papazian, a sophomore majoring in TV TV and Film senior Michelle Tannous won one and Film in the Department of Communication of two awards for best short films at the closing Arts, won the online video competition launched ceremony “La soirée des courts métrages by the Institute for Women’s Studies in the Arab libanais” of the 23rd European Film Festival World (IWSAW), in partnership with ESCWA, Awards. Tannous’ film, “Lam7a – A Glimpse,” ABAAD, and U.N. Women Arabic. The competition which tackled the topic of the Lebanese civil

Students was part of IWSAW's 16 Days of Activism against war, won the jury’s praise for its originality #Gender Based Violence #GBV campaign. in treating a very important subject and its maturity in dealing with archival footage. Through this video, Papazian aimed at raising awareness against violence with a simple As part of her award, Tannous was invited to message: “By covering their bruises, #women are attend the 2017 Cannes Film Festival, courtesy keeping the issue taboo. They are hiding it, while of Institut Français du Liban. reporting #violence is the only way to stop it.”

LEBANESE STUDENTS’ SHORTS courts métrages d’étudiants LEBANESE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY (LAU) School of Arts and Sciences, Department of Communication Arts Lam7a Réalisator I Director: Michele Tannous Interpretes I Cast: Lya Sabban, Marwan Ja al, Pierre Sarkis, Majed Moussa, Angie Maksoud, Michel Khalil, Rabih Dia, Feras Abdallah Production: 2016 Durée I Running Time: 10 min Langue I Language: En arabe sous-titre I In Arabic with English subtitles

Un faux documentaire sur la capacité d’un garçon mystérieux de disparaitre, raconté du point de vue des personnes les plus proches de lui. Une histoire de guerre, de memoire et de farces.

A faux-documentary about a mysterious boy’s ability to disappear, told through the point of view of the people closest to him. a story about war, memories and pranks.

12 11 New Faculty Members Hector Aristizabal and participants in the theater workshop in a group photo during Festival NEXT Gulbenkian Theater, LAU Beirut Faculty 14 Internally, the challenge is helping people see the mission and the vision and see the see the mission and the vision and the challenge is helping people Internally, want don’t but in the end they change, like they will say in change. Most people value out stepping you’re it means work, it means more is disruptive; change because change a long been there for that have disrupting processes comfort zone, and you’re of your changing their making people uncomfortable,time. Change means changing their routine, this department in this department of us attention Many deserves believe better process. put that effort that sacrifice. going to and make one and we’re be number and deserves to been at? have you universities differed the previous from at LAU has working How and advantages one has its unique Each universities. at six other worked I’ve The weaknesses. culture, strengthes and and each one has its own disadvantages, and the the research mix the arts is the ability to and the professional, strength of LAU my quadrupled I’ve been at LAU I’ve in the past year Nadra [Assaf] how telling critical. I was do it before. to forced not do because I was able to was of art,consumption I never which is that you maybe universities of other The advantage family. and my life It enriches my my which is good, but I felt research, to allocated of time, space and resources a lot have and ivory own tower else. I’m living in my anything enjoying I’m not like is lopsided, life like this activism edge you stuff Here, it gives producing that is going nowhere. sometimes country. of my and the problems with society more in touch you’re value do specific What programs. abroad highly encouraging of the study be seem to You see in them? you went when I took the first I remember course I since I traveled. of that ever been a fan I’ve that I read and studied, but just the material that that one course, not I felt the U.S., to and me more information gave the world, around with people from the whole experience doing my of education when I was than a whole year and more growth more knowledge B.A.least one experience student in communication should do at in Lebanon. I think every out of their paradigm, out of their get small, just so that they how matter no abroad, And no unique. how are, and yet similar we people think, and see how culture and see how the full picture until somebody actually it doesn’t give I express, words many how matter knowledge people stronger, It makes culture and sees the difference. that new into jumps become a person who is no longer myopic you wise and culture wise. It builds networks, really see cannot very closed mentality where you and living in this village mentality, becomes the point where the world to country of your or community, the borders beyond and insight and it motivation you and it gives and so exciting, so huge and so diverse be better. to encourages you of What are the challenges Besides being the department also teach. you chairperson, jobs? balancing both in a transition period, managing Managing time is a big challenge. I’m still technically personal own and my family, duties, my administrative my teaching, my research, my the best found and I still haven’t part me personally, That has been the toughest for life. courses that I never new that. Teaching I’ll achieve fall next I’m hoping by balance yet. taught three courses that I’ve the energy and time of teaching it takes taught before, rubrics, new putting new you’re scratch, from doing everything Because you’re before. the same when doing myself readings. I do refresh doing new assignments, and you’re you that week a book of reading every the same as going through course but it’s not years. the past ten didn’t read for or you read before haven’t Associate Professor, Professor, Associate Chairperson Media Studies Journalism and in Journalism and Media Ph.D. Studies and media education Elevating universities in Arab research

Position Position Program Degree Focus

Jad Melki Jad by Fatima Al Mahmoud Fatima by chairperson? year as the past reflect on do you How start semester. a new to about We’re of reshuffling, rebuilding, reconstructing, A lot things. of exciting of change. A lot A lot that were of problems A lot removed. that was of chaos and vagueness reorganizing. A lot and most importantly and projects a new of new a lot equipment, of new A lot removed. clear direction. This department position in Lebanon very had a prominent historically the premier in Lebanon, one was it among communication programs: and the Arab world years, last few In the past at LAU. and the flagship program in the Arab world, of the top pressures: external and due to factors, internal many due to it lost its way decade maybe, internally lack of innovation but also maybe Changes in the media, changes in technology, staff and students, we with the help of faculty, change. So this past year, and resistance to where we on a path back to ourselves and set upside down everything turn able to were in the Arab world. program in Lebanon and the top be, number one program deserve to you? changed has this experience How faculty and the difficult change is, it made me appreciate how It made me appreciate of people who the value and it made me appreciate staff collaborate, who are willing to are rare and they They effort, time and contribute. put the extra the extra are willing to is doing their daily job and the where everybody do that. In an environment to don’t have effort. put that extra could But without these people, nothing to don’t have minimal, they Every much effort how I put individually. what I did, no matter changed no matter have of effortsingle iota this is what I mostly appreciate. that direction; put will help us go into program? suitable courses of selecting each What are the challenges for see the direction of the future. be able to is to The number one challenge right now the field is going. no idea where in the field, especially in journalism, have Professionals of a business model. Many trial for suggestion or a new a new have you days Every few some of them are succeeding, and some are succeeding under certainthem are failing, the industry much because the industry usually follows Academia moves circumstances. to be a lab of we have to be ahead, We have do that anymore. We cannot more efficiently. from us. So to benefit for society us and the industry benefit from for to experimentation speaking. that’s the one big challenge externally New Faculty Members Faculty New

Faculty 13 Faculty

Faculty What do you like best about teaching? I like people and I like interaction. I also like giving people what I know. I don’t like to hold it just for Claudia Kozman myself. If I’ve learned something, I want to transfer that knowledge to others. And it’s different when I’m teaching in Lebanon because it means that I’m giving back to the community. Seeing a student Position Assistant Professor succeed makes me so happy. Ask any instructor and he or she will tell you the same thing. Even if I am able to make 0.0001 percent of a difference, it’s a positive difference. I’m especially happy when students who complain about the workload I give them, particularly in the research methods Program Multimedia Journalism course, tell me after the semester ends that they’ve learned more than they expected. Some come back months later to say the course was amazing. I am happy to see that our students have started to Degree Ph.D. in Mass Communication gain the maturity to understand that we as faculty plan their education seriously. If I am demanding, it’s because this will shape them into more resilient people. If I want them to learn about research, it’s because they need it to succeed in anything they do. Having a researcher mentality doesn‘t only Focus Analyzing media content and mean you can conduct a scientific study properly. It also means you have learned the proper thought journalistic practices in the Arab process and are able to evaluate information according to systematic, scientific rules. This applies to how the food you eat might affect you, what types of risks are related to what types of outcomes, how region the media illicitly relay information to you, or any other decision you may encounter. Look around you and you’ll see how scientific knowledge is everywhere. My interest is in helping students realize the significance of research and analytical thinking.

by Zubaida Jamal What advice would you give your students to succeed in your class or any class in college? I don’t want to comment on other classes because there are so many different types of teaching How was going into the field of sports journalism as a woman? methods. But, in general, you should have a good relationship with the instructor because once your When I started in the field I was doing something that was becoming popular. So I was there at the right instructors know you enough, know your struggles, know what you’re good or bad at, they can help place at the right time, which was in basketball. I’m generally a tough person, I’m independent, and I was you. I also require students to take notes in class because I’d like them to get what I say and write it in not raised to be a certain way just because I was a female. I was dedicated and passionate about sports their own words. This is the first step in the process of learning, which is why I don’t allow electronics journalism, so I went into it regardless of obstacles. Was it difficult? Yes and no. It was difficult at first in class. When you write by hand you’re already processing the information and going to the second because people in sports were not used to seeing a young female working seriously as a sports journalist, level. You also have to pay attention in class and follow the instructions we provide you. These rubrics especially since I was petite and looked like a kid. On the bright side, I was a journalist at 18 and most contain clear instructions of what the assignment requires. Research shows rubrics are particularly people didn’t mind me being there asking questions since I wasn’t a threat and I was serious about my helpful in allowing students to assess themselves and their peers, and thus recognize the criteria they work. A few incidents also positively influenced my reputation in Lebanese basketball. Whereas some are asked to fulfill. Rubrics are an essential component of a successful project, so don’t disregard journalists who weren’t fluent in English were translating interviews they conducted with foreign athletes them. however they wanted, sensationalizing some answers and omitting others, I relayed their answers as they said them. I also put a lot of effort into understanding the game, and asked what I thought were deep What do you think got you ahead in your work? questions as opposed to the overused “what can you tell me about the game?” These allowed me to gain Determination, perseverance, and passion. I don’t stop and I don’t give up easy. I want something? I the trust of athletes and coaches to a degree that some refused to be interviewed by anyone but me. work hard to achieve it. I’ve failed a lot in my life, but I always picked myself up again and I kept at it until it was done. I’ve learned that failures make success so much more valuable. They also add that Why did you go into sports journalism? level of resiliency that allows you to face bigger challenges. I love what I do: I love sports journalism I liked sports. I don’t come from a sports family, but my brother, my sister and I liked sports. I remember and I love my job right now. I love being both a researcher and being a teacher. So it’s my passion and when we were teenagers and had nothing to do all summer, we would watch the Olympics from start to it’s what others did that helped me. So many great people were so selfless with me. They helped me finish. Also, with my brother I would talk about basketball a lot and then we started to watch boxing and be what I want to be. tennis. It was something we shared. How do you think students graduating from LAU have an upper hand in the job market? What advice would you give women going into sports journalism? In the past year, we have introduced so many amazing changes in the department. We’ve built on My advice is not only for women. I don’t differentiate between types of people. Although women’s path in the tradition of LAU being one of the oldest universities, particularly our department, which will soon some fields, such as sports, is more difficult than that of men, I still believe that with passion, dedication, celebrate its 50th anniversary. We understand what the market wants and we offer our students commitment, and strength of will, you can achieve your dreams, regardless of the obstacles you face. If specific skills to survive in it. We focus on multimedia journalism, which means we don’t ignore women in sports want to use their femininity and be softies, it won’t work. They might get away with it a what’s new; we actually embrace it because this is what students would work in. We still focus on few times, but it will eventually diminish their true value because being in sports means you have to truly content, and on the basics of journalism, but we don’t ignore the new methods of delivery, which understand the game and the psychology behind it. Eventually, people will respect you because you’re are all multimedia. We also provide students with a mix of critical, theoretical, and practical and doing your job well and you’re respecting and appreciating theirs. Anything outside of that is irrelevant. research skills. I have students who are using their research skills in non-research jobs because they This applies to men as well. Do your job, do it well, be true to your values and beliefs, and be consistent in have become critical thinkers who can evaluate messages properly. The practical component of our your treatment of others. In other words, be professional. Things will get tough, but if you look to the fire degrees allows students to excel at writing, editing, shooting videos, and performing, among others. within that drives you to achieve your goals, you’ll find the courage to overcome the obstacles and you’ll find renewed passion to not only continue in your path but also to excel. The reality is that nothing is perfect. So What is your favorite thing in your office? if you get stuck on the imperfections that stain the idealistic image you have of the world you’re working in, My candle-melt holder, because the colors are so pretty. I’ve actually decorated my whole office based you won’t progress. That’s where dedication and passion help you out. They push you forward because they on this candle’s colors! Having all these subtle colors means I don’t have to stick to one forever. I can give you that edge to accept the existence of problems around you and to find positive solutions. change the shades whenever and however I wish. 16 15 Faculty 18 What are your hobbies, other than music? hobbies, other What are your sitting on the I really like know, you man! Music is what I do. Well hobby, my Music is not I love What else? Food, forever! but I can’t walk walking, I love couch and doing nothing. I the food. hungry if I’m not enjoy just to just go out and eat even literally I would food! is art.think food Lebanese, or American food? Egyptian, in the put Lebanese and Egyptian food American! Once you Come on! Of course not know, you the Lebanese, but Of course it means “Khalas!” the Egyptian over question but I love can tell of salads as you a big fan Lebanese salads. I’m not I really like Egypt, foul In grill meat here really well. them, and you Lebanese salads, I love and ta’amiyya. What was one particularWhat was this experience? from memory can’t forget you our comfort go out of zone. to immediately we had The first thing I remember is that was the first time I and it faculty, the welcome to was dancing we did The first thing me after the kids telling I remember was experience of people. Another dance in front particular me this on teaching insisting concert I couldn’t thing I thought for “Thank you confidence with zero of the camp students coming at the beginning do.” I remember different people. That’s completely were they the end and by self-awareness, and zero being a teacher. job and I love my I love teacher, any for rewarding the main influencersyour career? What were in that can’t or being told that you Being told the challenges themselves. say I would with him about music conversations good enough. My dad also. I remember not you’re itself, age. Music at my awards won that have and what music is. Also colleagues of communicating. because I think of music as a way about the world? view What is your our world in it. I like that has a little bit of everything planet I think it’s an interesting it because it’s I like facing. that we’re these issues and problems with all of even right time for challenging things, and our time is the absolute challenging, and I like arts lead. to with music and music education? reach to want What’s the dream you understand instrument. learning an that art people to I just want education is beyond an instrument the opportunity play to have single person to every for love I would learning an instrument [he or she] is also learning discipline, that by because I know badly need in our world and collaboration that we work, team planning, awareness, right now. week nine-week Assistant Professor Assistant Arts Performing Stony Arts, Musical of Doctor USA University, Brook high quality Making sure is available music education and affordable

Position Position Program Degree Focus

Amr Selim Amr summer camp. Without a doubt, this place changed my mind and changed the way I mind and changed the way doubt, this place changed my Without a summer camp. turn kids’ able to were at music and arts we looked weeks education because in nine to go back to, I always amazing, and that’s an experience It was upside down. lives change. that it’s possible to remind myself What was the most exciting experience in your life? in your experience exciting the most What was Arts this magical place called Appel Farm Camp to summers ago, I went Four the become the head of the music division for to invited because I was by Ahmad Karakira by in music? yourself discover did you How a was My mother the oud. play used to My father family. a musical born into I was and the conservatory, to siblings went of my of three, both I’m the youngest poet. already were born they the time I was older than me. So by years nine were they practice sessions: to music, listening to up listening an instrument. So, I grew playing music at a very to introduced same time. So I was classical and oriental music at the beats. it to I hear I can translate beats and drumming, anything early age, and I loved parents on them, my beating As I started breaking stuff the house from around Conservatory the Cairo to sent me to a talent. So they that I might have discovered I really be a percussionist. to love that I would application I wrote audition, and in my you maybe “Oh like were me and they saw that, but then they loved have would the trumpet me the choice between gave a wind instrument?” So, they should play an have reason because I did not no horn, and I chose the horn for and the French so I funny and it looked big, complicated, but the horn was like, sound they idea how it. picked

17 Faculty Faculty 20 What was unique about the events (film series, film festivals, workshops…) that you that workshops…) festivals, (film series, film about the events unique What was organized abroad? by artists this region. By giving told this region from from about stories were The films showcase here to here or that live from directors for and the right platform ownership and lenses is very important. the eyes their work see this region from The audience will of local artists. Lebanon? to come back made you what abroad, After a successful stay the stories Even level. other or at any psychologically, left Lebanon emotionally, I never is Lebanon and this region. Lebanon to that I do is veryand everything much related when feel that you more important is nothing me and there than the feeling home for be the to me, I wanted doing, but for gone doing what I was home. I could’ve you’re other many there were Yes, tell. to I want the people and the stories closest I could be to and projects that there are so many I felt professionally, example, reasons of course. For someone for Furthermore, be told. to yet and have told be needed to here that stories location is very storytelling, importantthat uses visual media for and being at a close that is very that location and people important. believer from I’m an ultimate proximity it’s rich of, but is also rich in the type of stories this part know we only rich of what is not As a storyteller, what do you consider as your sources of inspiration? consider as your what do you As a storyteller, the experiences encounter, The people you under life: that falls and everything Life as as well the moments of joy the good and the bad) and (both go through that you of and see with fresh sets listen to just have We are everywhere. desperation. Stories constantly. ears and eyes in LAU? achieve aim to What do you and Putting the communication department the map as one of the most impressive on leading communication departments first, and hopefully in the Arabic-speaking world great students, faculty, on all levels: what it takes have We worldwide. eventually students that just some of the brightest have and an amazing location. We facilities, become tomorrow’s to and knowledge the tools and given be empowered need to communicators. professional industry? in the Lebanese movie on a personal level achieve aspire to yet What do you mission of the collective on achieving focus to that I’m putting on hold now a lot I have of stories a lot at heart. I’m a storyteller the department. I have But on a personal level, My aim explore. to that I want of content TV and a lot turn into ideas to formats, tell, to that has content produce and to of the society the betterness use visual media for is to and hope while shedding the light on topics elements of entertainment, empowerment, and truly reflect the beauty and richness of this region. that are very relevant Lecturer TV & Film Studies Eastern M.A. in Middle and production creation Content to TV and film; using media for issues justice social address

Position Position Program Degree Focus

Nasser Chour Nasser by Sally Farhat by When did you discover your passion for filmmaking? passion for your discover When did you a memory this is that I had known have the ability to since I started having I think ever to study. want the field that I really this passion? it that awakened What was most of the time. be stuck at home I had no choice but to Radio. Because of the war, the radio since most of the to listening with was The only thing I could entertain myself me the radio. The ability for easily operated and batteries down time the electricity was create I would TV. watching to the alternative was of radio content visuals create to triggered mind based on what I’m hearing. That in my locations, and visuals characters, it was the process, I enjoying further only was Not visual storytelling. to passion even my and destruction. the reality of war from escape also my the a certain to extent, in changing, abroad stay during your contribute did you How of Arabs and Islam? view Western about I gave and lectures the interviews to starting the classroom from levels, On many was also part media and specifically cinema. I very of a Middle Eastern important center the one in charge of creating Arab and Islamic Studies and I was for called the Center of this region, giving different and presentations about the portrayal festivals film my classes. the most importantYet, were in contributions in film or in the news. whether there is a possibility that this one one student more informed or get expose When you it all grows. and that’s how and share it with others the information student will take

19 Faculty Major Productions Student Theater Productions Student Short Films Screening Major Events Workshops Faculty Events Non-Faculty Events Off-Campus Events Malinda Haslett and students performing during A Musical Extravaganza - Concert Gulbenkian Theater, LAU Beirut Happenings 22 Cast: Maria Bechara, Roy Bou Chaaya, Stephanie Tadros, Amie Chiniara, Antoine Awad, Shahine Fraiha, Mira Shahine Fraiha, Awad, Chiniara, Antoine Amie Tadros, Stephanie Bou Chaaya, Roy Maria Bechara, Cast: Designer: Tiffany & Poster Eldin. Set and Ram Nour Al-Nasrany, Yara Nabbout, Miari, May Majzoub, Noha Designer: Costume Maarawi. Jomaa, and Mahmoud Azrai, Khaled Abi Moujaes. Lighting Designer: Mezyed Ramzi Sound Designer: Al-Nasrani. Designer: Lama Saab, Choreographer: Yara Moujaess. Makeup Mony diab, Ragheed Jreidini, Zaher Hamadeh, Jihad Abou band (Wajdy Aa Nota” Madi. Music Composers: “Fer‘et CG Artist:Zogheib, and Ali Sabbah), and Maria Bechara. Manager: Kinda Darwaich. Ryan Ghossein. Stage Makeup Nabbout. Masih, and Mariam Robin Melanie El-Sayegh, Shelhot, Manager: Tracy Assitant Stage Supervisor:crew Line Itani. Publicity Manager: Marwan and Tala Manager: Dana Mroueh ElHasbini. House Sultan, Samer Shaara, and Radieh, Lana Petra Supervisor: Booth Crew: Zeina Badran. Set Ticket Nashar. Chamaa. Petra crew: Al-Bissat. Makeup Mahammad Julia Ghanimeh. Light Crew: The play is considered a multi-arts event whereby music, dance, and acting met to to music, dance, and acting met whereby is considered a multi-artsThe play event of in the life events all students, represented who were The actors, the story. narrate represent Gibran as the prophet did not Thus, the play Gibran rather than characters. pain, and love. anger, A person who experiences but rather as a person with emotions: a mix of contemporary and was Moujaes and Tiffany choreographed by The dance was martial arts. it knew Salim Mujais, we Dr. by the early phases of reading the script written “From said Moujaes. linguistically and physically,” important adapt the piece both was to me of the story and for guided the progression “The musical pieces and choreography entertainment delivering and audience attention, in retaining are great devices they allegorical concepts.” imagine and to the audience image of Gibran that allowed a new The story presented left analyze the relation The audiences were to and his life. the character question to he does? the way does Gibran treat women Why Gibran and the characters. between Is she the different? Ziade is May in them? Why Is he seeing a reflection of his mother are called as such? the book and the play and the reason why prophet everyone how of telling and there’s no way mixed obviously were “The impressions enjoy seemed to the audience I received, said Moujaes. “Based on the feedback felt,” and scenography.” singing mostly the choreography, The Prophet’s The Prophet’s The Prophet’s Anonym Anonym The Prophet’s 20, 2016. The aim of the travel was to search for a book for search to was The aim of the travel The Prophet. . The play showed for five days at Gulbenkian Theater, LAU LAU at Gulbenkian Theater, days five for showed . The play to November to 16 - 2016 2017 : Omar Moujaes

The Prophet’s Anonym Prophet’s The Director by Sally Farhat by in his life, of Gibran Khalil Gibran and the women the real life Inspired by presented the Lebanese public with an alternate way of understanding the way public with an alternate the Lebanese presented Anonym Lebanese author. renowned Omar Moujaes, TV by and Film instructor, and directed Created productions in the Department major of Communication the first of five was Arts in the Year Academic Beirut, from November November Beirut, from containing knowledge of a cure for his mother and brother’s illness. On his way there, there, On his way illness. and brother’s his mother of a cure for containing knowledge Ziade – played May of his life find the love and is able to three muses Gibran encounters met. but has never Bechara – whom he long knew Maria by The play’s original script was created by Salim Mujais and Tija Mujais and written by by and Tija Mujais and written Salim Mujais by created original script was The play’s Monda Riachy. Gibran, played whereby universe, place in a fantastical takes Anonym The Prophet’s the city city of Orphalese, western the mythical a ship to Noureddine, boards Ram by Gibran mentions in his book Major Productions Major

21 Happenings Happenings 24 Can’t Noble Prize in literature, Dario FO, the FO, Dario Noble Prize in literature, 1997

taxes on locals. “People thought that we had information previous to [the showing of] [the showing to previous information had we thought that on locals. “People taxes

:Ph.D. Lina Abyad, Director ما لح ندفع! ما فينا ندفع! Can‘t Pay, Won‘t Pay Pay Won‘t Pay, Can‘t Cast: Yassin Abboud, Hiba sleiman Haidar, Alaa Itani, Dareen Shamseddine, Sany Abdel Baki, and Bassel Madi. Abdel Alaa Itani, Dareen Shamseddine, Sany Hiba sleiman Haidar, Abboud, Yassin Cast: Mohamad Lighting Designer: Omar Moujaess. Sound Designer and Operator: Designer: Hana Fakhoury. Set Al Manager: Christopher Stage Andrea Nassar. Designer: Ghina Sibaii. Graphic Designer: Nour Costume Shour. Meghan Itani. House Makeup: Rana Hardan. Mistress: Hneineh. Wardrobe Manager: Rachid Props Zoummar. Crew: Backstage Supervisor: Booth Mohamad Yassin. Zeina Badran. Assistant: Ticket Al Nachar. Manager: Tala Ticket Publicity and Construation, Set Miari, and Elaly Serhal. Noha Rami Halabi, Wizal Deeb, Rami Zoueyhed, Kdenian, Farouk Serouj Razan Slim, Samer Chaar, Serbey, El Bizri, Omar Hamadeh, Wael Karawan crew: Booth Mansour. and Dayana Dana Mroue, Kouftarou, by Fatima Al Mahmoud Fatima by an imaginary to and a powerful saint, – message A Macarena performance, prayer a was one memorable production. production. one memorable was Pay! Won’t Pay! and recipient of the actor Italian by Written play was adapted and directed by Associate Professor of Theater Lina Abyad, Ph.D., and Ph.D., Lina Abyad, of Theater Professor Associate by and directed adapted was play Beirut campus. LAU at Irwin Hall Auditorium, 20, 2017 March to 14 March from shown was goods from who steal class housewives working and Rita, two of Antoinette spoke The play their Respectively, the unreasonable increasing prices. protest to their local supermarket would be losing they flour after stacks of sugar and being informed husbands also steal goods from conceal the stolen to hour and a half, the couples attempt one their jobs. For the reality of reflected On a wider scale, the play enforcement. law and from one another up with the greediness of those in keep to living in Lebanon, where the public struggles power. add to decision coincided with the Lebanese government’s the play Although unplanned, 22 the play,” said Abyad. “I think this is not the first time this happens.” “I think this is not said Abyad. the play,” in Italy; of life reflect and criticize the social settings this piece to originally wrote FO is really FO well. “I think Dario fitting of the Lebanese situation as be to it proved however, point and I think these problems at one facing Italy was the social problem very close to Abyad. people being in Italy and in Lebanon,” added by are still being faced of and the poor living conditions abuse of power addressing government simply Beyond and dialogues events the different carried a powerful message. Through people, the play the audience. The production transmit a lesson to able to were and Abyad FO of the play, supports that secretly the public, their enforcement framed the humanistic side of law enforcement law an image of unity between change. It painted demands, and the need for and the people. are in the hands of the that change and reform In brief, the performance demonstrated together. if people work but are only achievable community,

23 Happenings Happenings 26 years they get out, having lost their lives, the their lives, lost having out, get they years or 12 10 Team: Sandra Azki (voice, percussion, sound sculptures instument & Arabic lyrics), Karl Bou Rjeily (guitar, Bou Rjeily (guitar, & Arabic lyrics), Karl instument percussion, sound sculptures Sandra Azki (voice, Team: piano), & el Jbeily (voice Lynn dance & choreography), Daouk (voice, Nadine & videographer), electronics Mortada & sound sculptures & choreography), Hariri (oud), Majd Khiami (voice Omar Hamadeh (voice & piano), Mohammed (voice Najd Rayan percussion & choreography), Maalouf (voice, Natalie Instrument), percussion & sound sculptures (trumpet, Martin electronics), Loyato electric guitar, Zahzah (clarinet, (lighting designer, Ghida Ladkani (videographer & editor), chehab (videographer), Rayan Ali Fakih instrument), typography motion/kinetic mapping, Inaty (project and Ramy and operator), typography motion/kinetic Assistant designer: Martin and set Loyato. Intrsuments, Poster Sound Scultpute director, Writer, operator). Artist Makeup : Meghan Itani. Sound manager: Joelle Kahaleh. Mohammed Zahzah. Stage music director: supervisor: booth Zeina Badran. House Ticket Awad. designer: Awad Al Madani. Program engineer: Tarek and Dana Mroue. Al Nachar, Manager: Tala song was written by Sandra Azki, one of our students.” by written song was the show, scratch for from It is created forms. is a fusion of many The music of the show participating. the talents who were around and created the guitar plays Moe Zahzah, who also have we piano players, two have “This time, we even of singers. We there’s Mortada the Oud, and a lot and the clarinet, who plays creating sound sculptures, and cups. So the and metal, instruments, with knives created said. Loyato do as well,” to lot a instruments have play people who aren’t trained to has been rewarding. the journey one of the participants in the show, Bourjeily, Karl For veryexperimental from it’s can find anywhere; you “[This] is the best learning experience “This is experimentation said Bourjeily. is treated,” the show the way visuals to music to or as Be it on a personal level do it well. to the resources have as we on a higher level be artists to us well, truly teaches Loyato an artist, is very this show important me. Dr. to people.” and well-rounded is one of the the message of the production Majd Khiami, a singer in the show, As for world. most important ones in today’s “I wrote the entire show this time, although the students have a big part in creating,” this time, although the students have show the entire “I wrote and I don’t speak Arabic, so in the second songs in Arabic, said. “There are two Loyato are and they years for where people are detained stories, scene, the Guantanamo Bay after and charged, or released not . 20 hours a day in the theatre, for weeks, weeks, in the theatre, for hours a day and April 10 19 , was one of the Department one of , was of a Terrorist I Am Not

I am Not a Terrorist Not I am Ph.D. Martin Loyato, Director: The show, that was the product of a semester’s work from Loyato and a group of his of and a group Loyato from work a semester’s of the product that was The show, of our modern world: issues of the most prominent students, criticized and called out one ignorance and judgement. of awareness a constructive that might create and feelings thoughts arouse to “I intend Middle how see can “One Loyato. said situation,” sociopolitical international current today’s they just because the West misjudged by and been mistreated individuals have Eastern very this is a important people who look different for born in these lands. Nowadays, were people are than anything, of ignorance, more There’s a problem ‘norm’. the Western from judged and stereotyped.” the show, He wrote done well.” is being and making sure everything designing the set the production. it, and overlooked directed The show, comprised of three scenes, discussed terrorism and the reasons behind it, and scenes, discussed terrorism of three comprised The show, in the middle East, and the silence and the West and oil from war tackling the thirst for work and hard after It comes ignorance that support months of research these moves. “over spending with Loyato the entire team, from Mixing light-mapped visuals with experimental eclectic music to create a world all their a world create eclectic music to visuals with experimental Mixing light-mapped forth a his students brought Ph.D., and of Music Martin Loyato, Assistant Professor own, powerful. as it was as astonishing creating a performance that was show, performance, The experimental at showing in the spring semester, Communication Arts’s major theatre productions four on April Beirut campus Irwin on the LAU theatre by Ghida Ladkani by

25 Happenings Happenings 28 Team: Vocals and guitar: Stephanie Tadros and Paul Marjaba. Vocals: Chris Samaha. Piano: Ikram Hamizi. and Paul Marjaba. Vocals: Tadros and guitar: Stephanie Vocals Team: Bassam Haddad. word: Violin: Elie Chahine. Oud: Jamil Moussa. Spoken Wisdrum and drums: Ukpe Udoeka. Set Awad. and Antoine Al-Nasrany and dance: Yara Choreography Bou Chaaya. and Roy Nabbout May over: Voice Dahdah. Alex Lighting operator: Al-Nasrany. Lighting Designer: Yara Nabbout. Designers: Samaha and May Christy Sound Engineer: Majd Al-Alam, and Karim Nabbout Managers: Graphic Designer: Ali Zoghdani. Stage May Tadros. Stephanie Director: Assistant Dana Mroue. Al Nachar, Tala Zorkot, House managers:Serhan. Reda Assistant Professor of Music Amr Selim, DMA, who founded Alter and directed “Alternative “Alternative and directed Alter DMA, of Music Amr Selim, who founded Assistant Professor the eye. more than meets there is always believes Facts,” on the “Each story hear or see something has more than one side,” Selim said. “When we can get.” that it’s the only thing we it doesn’t mean news, anything behind think twice and “try see the layers encourage people to to Selim aims to hear and see.” we tries and different perspectives issues from deals with relevant Selim, the play to According TV channels report some Western Arabic news. ridicule the way to talk about the African-American Selim also chose to struggle. news, Arabic In addition to no one talks about their [African-Americans] in American news struggle, especially “Even to are,” Selim said. “I can relate their history and who they about lynching that affected being a Muslim in America.” their struggle because I’m a minority too, merely describing news the performance was On the issue of censorship, Selim contended that I made, news Selim said. “I didn’t bring any what’s in the news,” mirroring as is. “I was and these are the things people know.” design, said as the set as well TV Nabbout, who did the voiceover and Film senior May that the left meaning and symbol. Nabbout explained has its side of in the set prop every songs, while the right side and poverty represents destruction, oppression, war, the theater songs. represents the peaceful side, optimism, and revolutionary the involve in a manner to also constructed were booth design and the ticket The set audience. pril 12, and A 10

, the Lebanese community was treated to the musical performance to treated was , the Lebanese community 2017

:D.M.A. Amr Selim, Director الشرف مفيش أحلى من Alternative Facts Alternative respectively. respectively. the audience gathered the official startwoman asked Before of the performance, a on it. thoughts grab a sign that has revolutionary to outside the theater two had already been divided into doors, the crowd opening of the theater the Upon and peaceful. sections: chaotic Arabic and about different Inside, the performance news started with broadcast racism, and U.S. terrorism, economic problems, issues such as social and Western musical an Arabic or Western by followed was piece Each news President Donald Trump. topic. the to performance related “Alternative Facts” by Alter, a multidisciplinary students with skills of LAU ensemble Alter, by Facts” “Alternative rap music. design to set ranging from daily news. of Arab-related coverage shed light on Western aimed to Facts” “Alternative in Selina Korban presented of preparation was eight weeks The performance that took April Beirut, on in LAU Byblos and Gulbenkian Theater Theatre in LAU by Ahmad Karakira by In the spring of

27 Happenings Happenings 30 at LAU Beirut. He then proceeded to support and assist Awad, support to and assist Awad, then proceeded Beirut. He at LAU Ayyoubé Cast: Aliya Khalidi, Mira Sidawi, and Tala Al Nachar. Director: Awad Awad. Assistant Director: Rayan Sukkar. Sukkar. Rayan Director: Assistant Awad. Awad Director: Al Nachar. and Tala Aliya Khalidi, Mira Sidawi, Cast: Light designer: Mohammed Hissi. Sound designer: Mohammed Khayyata. Ghina Sibaii. Drawings: Scenography: Zeina Badran, Sarah Moussawi, Albert designer: Assistant: Mohammad Zahzah. Makeup Production Rizkallah. Sheab. House manager: Marwan Mira El director: Technical manager: Hani El Hendy. Stage Bahaa Radwan. Miari. Sound Operator: Noha operator: Hamadeh. Light and Natalie video: Mohammad Yassine Hasbini. Promo Rahaf Jammal, and Iyad Tcheleby, akar, Jad Abou Masri. Light crew: Moustapha crew: Set Kafatrou. Farouk Nizam. and Hady Samer Wehby, Dana Mroue, Al Nachar, Omar Hamadeh, Tala crew: booth Ticket Samer Shaar. Mahmasani. Saab, and Nadine Celine Hurt, crew: Roy Backstage The First Production Major Alumni Awad like fresh and enthusiastic graduates theaters, With the increasing number of closing and have are losing their prominence Plays premiere their work. chances to no longer have career launch Awad’s help to forward has stepped LAU However, become less valuable. help alumni to LAU from good initiative “It’s a on campus. his play displaying by in theater and released this product have to and it is also an incubator get, to want where they get said. The Chair with us outside,” Awad of LAU as the name it, as well can take then we of the Department proposal of Communication Arts, Awad’s Jad Melki, Ph.D., accepted of premiering Hala Masri, George Chdid and Fouad alongside staff members including Annie Tabakian, Anka. The Journey Palestinian in various the play showcase to also included a tour team The production possible of the the widest exposure aimed for Lebanese cities. Awad and refugee camps people the concept to of delivering with the intention ideas and message behind the play, encourage people, hopes to Awad the play, what’s going on.” Through know “who need to a voice have that “you He believes themselves. speak up and express to especially women, that it exists.” can use it, just be aware and you are the Lebanese population, in hopes of clarifying that Palestinians also targeted The play that are in Ein El terrorists “are not be. Palestinians what the media portray to them not that the Syrian crisis has raised general awareness He believes Awad. explained Helwe,” sympathy, into be translated refugees, but that should not of the presence of Palestinian don’t need people to else. We anyone like be treated need to “We but rather equality. the outside. and study us from articles us under the microscope write about us and keep further be engaged with,” he said. He on to want elaborated engage, we to want No, we but another, to one individual from it varies and how of being a refugee the experience Palestinian Unfortunately, their country. to return with one thing certain: to all want They in their choices. that enlisted have refugees do not . Their collaboration persisted as . Their collaboration persisted Eighty Steps Anbara and .

8 to May 10 May 8 to

Ayyoubé Ayyoubé Awad Awad Director: Khalidi was an integral part of Ayyoubé’s cast, despite her initial reluctance. “She was “She was her initial reluctance. cast, despite part an integral Khalidi was of Ayyoubé’s very sure act in general, and I was to sure that she wanted hesitant because she wasn’t said. Awad together,” of good work the part. doing a lot we’re her for And now that I want by Fatima Al Mahmoud Fatima by living in woman of a Palestinian That is the state Abused. Rejected. Sidelined. Mistreated. Ayyoubé. play in his H. Awad alumnus Awad by in Lebanon as narrated a refugee camp her through who has been mistreated “The story woman a Palestinian is basically about husband and as her as well her parents-in-law, and by starting family, life with her own of ideas that are against her,” a lot that planted her society and by her, community around Department the a TV from of Communication Arts. and Film graduate Awad, explained out against spoke the play, and directed who wrote himself, Awad, Being a Palestinian a stand against their He took of Palestinians. the public rejection and ill treatment of rights. And he shed light on the refugee crisis, the Israeli- and deprivation imprisonment Beirut from that ran at LAU women in a play conflict, and the reality of Arab Palestinian May The Team students, alumni and faculty of LAU and the cast are composed crew the production Both by of ideas, concepts and perceptions an exchange for allows members. The diversity considered a responsibility was of people. Engaging students in the play different groups generation of students the younger it to owe and we each other it to owe “We Awad. for as take learned, as well have we knowledge transmit the them and to teach as alumni to he said. them their ideas and knowledge,” from previously and Khalidi have Awad at LAU. Khalidi, Ph.D., is a lecturer of theater Aliya like in works collaborated Alumni Productions Alumni

29 Happenings Happenings 32 Firas Itani Firas Karim Soueid Karim Ghida Ladkani Yara Amache Yara Karem Monzer Karem Line Itani Ghewa Taha Ghewa Roger Azar Roger directed by by directed by produced the past, present and an uncertainA struggle between future... mass schizophrenia! by directed by produced currency. are the instated reigns, teardrops In a city where drought by directed by produced his childhood After escaping a car accident, Selim goes directly to about his past, father his finally confront to house in a manic state tree. struggles in their family and the emotional Point of View of Point el Heit Wara Earthbound Taj has trouble fitting into the dangerous lifestyle of her boyfriend of her boyfriend lifestyle dangerous the fitting into has trouble Taj behind their what’s uncover to friends. As she tries and his two their pattern. into she ends up falling secrecy, Fiction Apple Showers by directed by produced Nadine Akkad Iyad Tcheleby Iyad Cynthia Samuel Cynthia Angela Zoghbi Olafur Gestsson Carina Ashkar Carina Nour Hourani Misri Jad

directed by by directed by produced produced by by produced small one by A story people who are connected about diverse each of them. for value piece of land which holds a different directed by by directed born with a cleft disorder. dancer who was is a pole palate Yara up alongside bullies, and She talks about her struggles growing she had in herself that things will turn around. the faith directed by by directed by produced that made him realize Jad Misri visits his past, in a place a night, the cage for Back to be in his life. to where he wants good. it for leave to in order directed by by directed by produced frees herself She as soon as she of love. Mia is a soul full the beats of her music. to body, on her the hoop moving feels Stories from Raouche from Stories Dark Blue Dark Cage Bloom Documentaries Student Film Screenings Film Student

31 Happenings Happenings 34 a.m. Sandrila Ghrawi Sandrila ّ عمارة المعل Rinade Al Baba Itani Firas Nourhan Fakhoury Taha Ghewa Abdul Samad Jad Daniel Nicole The play tackles the dominance of appearances and capitalism in society. and capitalism in society. the dominance of appearances tackles The play and Moni, two of Yoni journey the life explores piece that A movement their desires, dreams and endless us through surrealist dancers, and takes grapple with the system. at the Museum of Modern Art, in an exhibit life to come photographs Two a taken were Cambodians whose photos are of young They City. York New their execution. moment before poetic in a stream of consciousness through written A haunting play of pain and mental his journey us through flies fragments. The character 4.48 moment of clarity, his degradation as he clings to state of intrigue bench, becomes the center innocently placed on a park A box, and the wild imaginings of the characters. of the timeless mysteries unravel is a class designed to “Courting 101” and dating. romance directed by by directed by directed directed by by directed by produced Surrealists the Living of Last The by directed S-21 Photographs by directed 4.48 Psychosis by directed Oblivion of Box A Little 101 Courting م كندوز Student Theater Productions Theater Student Yara Srour Yara Aceel Kibbi Aceel Hussein Taher Hussein Yasmine Arnaout Yasmine Nadine Akkad Sandrila Ghrawi Sandrila Rima Srour Joy AbouZeid Joy Carol Saab Carol Nourhan Fakhoury Abu Samad Jad Rinade Al Baba Rinade s, in a house in the village her husband has stopped sending her has stopped s, in a house in the village her husband

1980

A former soldier killed in a past war is brought back to the present, only to the present, only to back to is brought soldier killed in a past war A former destruction he leftwitness the vast in each of his victims. A 20-year-old woman seeks vengeance after her boyfriend psychologically psychologically after her boyfriend seeks vengeance woman A 20-year-old abuses her. news from the war front. war the from news directed by by directed by produced produced by by produced 3abath Occupational Hazard Occupational by directed Patience by directed by produced Late Thikra by produced disease, finally a genetic to daughter after losing his young Anthony, a deal with the devil. make agrees to Khaled is facing an unusual love with his city Beirut and struggles to fit in. with his city Beirut and struggles to an unusual love Khaled is facing by directed After tripping over a machine that makes weird sounds, Nayla goes sounds, Nayla weird a machine that makes After tripping over machine is a mediator her belief that the validate to on a quest aliens and humans. between Li Anti by directed by produced Contact by directed by produced

33 Happenings Happenings 36 Wri�en by Eric Kaiser by Wri�en Tuesday April 25, 2017 Tuesday 8:15 PM, Irwin Theatre A Student Theatre Produc�on Theatre A Student Directed by Karawan Al Bizri and Madonna Sleem Al Bizri and Madonna Karawan by Directed THE WEED DREAMS *Tickets to be collected same day from Gulbenkian �cket booth between 11 AM and 1 PM or one hour before the performance from Irwin Theatre. from the performance 11 AM and 1 PM or one hour before booth between Gulbenkian �cket from same day be collected to *Tickets

's minds. inauguration and discover s' inauguration and discover s businesses which always leads to the leads to 's businesses which always The Gas Heart is one of the most recognizable plays Mada Harb Karawan Al Bizri Al Bizri Karawan Madonna Slim Natalie Maalouf Natalie Noureddine Ram Tania Bizri Tania Meghan Itani s actual dreams for the future of their country. The play The play the future of their country. 's actual dreams for Disney Pitchfork The by directed afraid was where one of the characters fear, long monologues tackling Two happen if these two What would nothing. feared and the other of everything collided? characters The Weed Dreams Weed The by directed leader their new during Three people meet each other on people of the political system highlights the impact The play is a shortThe play dramatic monologue. and glory mocks people who chase money and reflects the gap The play of society. criticize customs to in an attempt rich and poor between NOT I NOT by directed Waits Auto the While by directed The Gas Heart The by directed Originally French, as Dadaism. trend known the anti-establishment inspired by Three young men and three young women live in the same apartment live women men and three young Three young can't resist sticking their They York. in New and love life and face complex one another noses into experience. people will never kind of hilarity average Friends by directed

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Death Knocks Death by directed by produced be. It is a it to one expects the way death is never talks about how The play death and a nonbeliever. between comic illustration of the meeting directed by by directed It influence reality. they deals with recurring nightmares and how The play of dreams and the symbols within. by the power influenced was An absurdist play on a gentleman that moves into a new flat and his a new into on a gentleman that moves play An absurdist and furniture movers. with the caretaker encounter Circus barren land. During their meeting, surprises take place one after the other place one after the other take surprises barren land. During their meeting, their common past. reveal to Tenant New The by directed by directed in a people meet deals with a national and social issue as two The play انت من انت Small World by directed find out some really only to dates on blind meet Three random couples on dishonesty and relationships. in a play strange things about each other Call of the Revolution the of Call by directed the story of dealing with the commencement of a family narrates The play ad a close-up on the hopes It provides with all its complexities. a revolution, the revolution. had for Andreyev expectations The Cagebirds The by directed them natural to that is not are trapped in an environment The characters instability which prevents a kind of psychological developed and have reflect aspects of human understanding their oppression; they them from behavior.

35 Happenings Happenings 38

13 . “I think the gala at the end speaks to the success of that because in . “I think the gala at the end speaks to 2011 dance performances. The six days also included various dance classes and workshops dance classes and workshops various also included dance performances. The six days the public. open to dancers and were professional by conducted that were festival The years. previous to comparison in changes few a introduced event year’s This PFA mainly on focused but ages and levels different for classes included workshops and rather than the entire community. majors and professionals of the formulas a few but I switched around the community down I didn’t let “I know and professionals,” PFAs for and intensive the past and made it more effective from of Dance, Nadra Assaf, Ph.D., who has organized and directed said Assistant Professor IDDFL since be a really brilliant show.” what I think to put together they six days Al-Nasrany, performing arts included three LAU students, Yara The festival part who took Sarhan, and Karim in the activities as dancers and Awad, Antoine choreographers. The festival started with auditions after which dancers were picked to work over a over work to started picked with auditions after which dancers were The festival daily two- included days six guests. The following with international period of one week the chosen dancers of the gala that embraced in preparation hour rehearsals for 8. March 31 to April 8, 2017. to 31 March

International Dance Day Festival in Lebanon Festival Day Dance International Ph.D. Assaf, Nadra Director: IDDFL was built with the aim of expanding the Lebanese dance field. To achieve this To achieve the Lebanese dance field. built with the aim of expanding IDDFL was Lebanese public understanding on enhancing of dance, exposing works goal the festival and creating as practice, as well that include lectures workshops international dancers to increase their learning experience. dancers to ties between the people, the culture, learned so much from I have like and I feel here last year “I was expert in modern and jazz dance styles and Henley, and the dancers here,” said Matthew share to also able I was like “But I also felt the festival. choreographer in an experienced come back and deepen that experience.” to about and wanted things I’m excited by Sally Farhat by participated children, adults, students, and professionals a period of nine days, Over in Festival Dance Day Annual International as part workshops in various of the seventh from hosted Lebanon (IDDFL), which LAU dance instructors Lebanese and international renowned together that brought The festival on April 7, Park) (Wagon gala performances in the Byblos Public Garden ended with two on April Beirut campus, LAU and Gulbenkian Theater, Events

37 Happenings Happenings 40 's supervision. Akiki and Al- Akiki and Al-Nasrany organized the event under Assaf under event organized the Akiki and Al-Nasrany Nasrany were in charge of recruiting dancers and professors, choosing suitable professors, in charge of recruiting dancers and were Nasrany also were basis. They and organizing rehearsals on a weekly dance choreographies, behind as all details digital aspects as well and the technical managing responsible for the scenes. president of the LAU As a former easy. not was such a program Akiki, executing For the club’s importance revive to his motivation Akiki expressed Dance Club in Byblos, would that the contest he know Little did of “Dancing with the Profs.” and pitch the idea a departmental to program. club event a small-scale upgrade from such as this one carries a powerful ArtsPerforming added that an event major Nasrany students and both where an art to such as dance, can reach out on LAU form, impact members. faculty it “enhances student-instructor saying the importance highlighted of this event Kozman relationships.” year’s edition. last from a huge success and a significant improvement was The event the that is what said. “And that night,” Nasrany in a beautiful way celebrated “Dance was all about.” occasion was

Dancing with the Profs with Dancing Ph.D. Assaf, Nadra Supervisor: by Milya Chehayeb by relationships with students, positive fostering its commitment to In its efforts reinforce to with the “Dancing event the Department of Communication Arts the long-awaited hosted on Byblos campus. Theater in Selina Korban 8, 2017 on March Profs” students together “Dancing with the Stars” brought show recreation of the famous LAU’s charisma, and energy. with drive, with talent and professors the audience and judges when Ph.D., wowed of Chemistry Taleb, Robin Assistant Professor Al Nasrany. alongside his student partner the competition he won Yara and current “Dancing with dancing champion of former composed The panel of judges was of expert Assistant Professor the Stars” judge Rabih Nahhas, fitness George Assaf, LAU Chair of the Department Associate of Communication ArtsMusic Amr Selim, DMA, and LAU Nadra Assaf, Ph.D. all had but they different backgrounds, and students came from Participating professors win the final prize. The full list of participants of: English one goal in mind: to consisted Science and of Food Assistant Professor Awad; with student Antoine Youssef, Amy instructor of Chemistry Hassan, Ph.D., with Angela el Zoghbi; Assistant Professor Hussein Technology of Multimedia Journalism Ph.D., with Josiane Matar; Assistant Professor Khnayzer, Rony Akiki; and History and Cultural Studies instructor Ph.D., with Romario Claudia Kozman, Ghorayeb. with Ghinwa Pierre Sarkis,

39 Happenings Happenings 42 16 to August 3, August to 16 percent of them said that they will come back, they of them said that percent 100 percent of them said that they would like the camp to be longer, which is a be longer, to the camp like would they of them said that percent 2018. all the students and “I surveyed while 95 huge sign of success,” Selim said. that students have of Music Seba Ali, DMA, believes Assistant Professor Adjunct and learned important in a shortacquired values time. learned and understood be responsible and they’ve to learned how have “Campers do great able to were that their abilities and talents are limitless,” Ali said. “They things in no time.” professional member Omar Moujaes admits that and faculty director, technical instructor, Acting in some in learning about acting, unlike and interest enthusiasm showed the campers schools where acting is an obligatory class. the same ages in a school, and the reactions here are more kids from “I teach I did of reactions whenever seen these kinds never genuine,” Moujaes said. “I’ve very interactive.” were They exercises. monitoring different majors were students from LAU several instructors, In addition to glad she was Jbeily, Lynn TV of the camp. monitor, the work and Film student and camp their by surprised quite and was themselves improve help campers had the chance to talents. also but we’re the little campers just teaching not is that we’re “What’s interesting as a child.” in such a camp them,” Jbeily said. “I truly wish I was learning from “We’re trying to let them learn the value of creativity, the value of thinking outside the value of creativity, trying them learn the value “We’re let to and from each other of combining and connecting ideas from and the value the box, idea,” Selim said. better an even create different classes to and to idea is valid that the camp’s prove to Selim, the biggest challenge was For one that the culture creative a a school mentality to mentality from switch the campers’ in Lebanon need. and the educational system the to attend willingness campers’ in the reflected was The success of the camp July run from to scheduled summer, next second edition of the camp

as a Performing Arts as a Performing . July 21, 2017 July 21, ) with much more than two weeks of recreational activities. of recreational weeks ) with much more than two to 16

Imagine Summer Arts Summer Imagine Camp DMA. Selim, Amr Artistic Director: “Imagine is an umbrella for people to feel, to imagine and to know that they are accepted, are accepted, that they know imagine and to to feel, people to “Imagine is an umbrella for these kids for an environment trying create needed,” Selim said. “We’re and to appreciated, with artistic brains and minds.” Selim, who joined the Department of Communication Arts in 2016 faculty member, revealed that everything in the performance from acting, dancing, and in the performance that everything from revealed member, faculty with the cooperated Campers single person in the camp. every a creation of singing was perform. decide on what to to instructors more than one art different to campers and attending that introducing Selim believes of thinking, their way and developing knowledge helps in increasing the their workshops are. resources limited of how regardless After two weeks of preparations, lectures, and workshops, the Departmentthe workshops, Communication and of lectures, preparations, of weeks Aftertwo Artsyoung by the concluded the first edition of its summer artsby a performance led camp Beirut campus. participants LAU on at Gulbenkian Theater part took and areas in Lebanon Thirty backgrounds in the two-week various students from of Music, Amr Selim, DMA. In Assistant Professor by and directed created which was camp, instruments, the lectures about acting, singing, dancing, and playing receiving addition to part journalism, and architecture. song-writing, clowning, in students also took in workshops young generation the aims at providing As the first of its kind in the Arab region, the camp (ages 12 by Ahmad Karakira by performanceCulminating in a student-led Imagine of singing, acting, dance, and music, a close on Summer Arts to drew Camp

41 Happenings Happenings 44 th anniversary of this , which will coincide with the 20 2018 The festival comprised various activities, some of which were the Verbatim Theater Theater the Verbatim some of which were activities, various comprised The festival Acting Sahar Assaf, the Improvisational actress and director theater by workshop Bourjeili, the Scriptwriting workshop and social activist Lucien stage director by workshop Indian dance Habib, and the Indian dance class and performance by Tamer storyteller by workshop in every evident and collaboration were work Group expert Prathiba Netesan. and performance. we currently reflect where name of the festival and program interdisciplinary “The new are as a department,” of the Department Jad Melki, Ph.D., chairperson explained of the future toward phase in moving of Communication Arts. are on our next “We in the of communicators generation are the builders of the next communication. We and continuously comes next.” reinvents are what perpetually region. We yet defined sharply four As the department to its offerings recently expanded in performing and film, arts, programs journalism, television multimedia interdependent reflects its multidisciplinary said Melki, now nature. NEXT, and communication, Festival even in the future of incorporating the flexibility for allow designed it so as to “We’ve thriving artistic poetrymore of LAU’s disciplines, such as design, fashion, literature.” and on the Arabic violin who ran a workshop Egyptian violinist Said Kamal, to According such the last night of the festival, Salah on musician Amro and performed with fellow appreciation for a renewed are highly instrumental in promoting festivals interdisciplinary the arts commercialization. undisturbed by music has its “Commercial the importanceSalah also acknowledged of such an event. create to this one that bring people together like initiatives I love but place and purpose, music with artisticand enjoy Salah. merit,” added artists of high quality it a variety and educators, together brought As the event all future versions. established itself as a model for and performances, Festival of the workshops spirit and the quality “Because of the team our for concept and prototype us a proven NEXT succeeded spectacularly and offered NEXT in big Festival next said Melki. festival,” August 26, August year-old LAU International University Theater Festival and rebranding it and rebranding Festival Theater University International LAU year-old 19

Festival NEXT Festival Ph.D. Assaf, and Nadra DMA, Amr Selim, Artistic Directors: by Connections staffby as Festival NEXT, the Department of Communication Arts continued its tradition of creating NEXT, as Festival and guests alike. artistic faculty, the talents of students, performances that showcased of Music Amr Selim, DMA, and Assistant Assistant Professor by Organized and directed that launched on festival the five-day of Dance Nadra Assaf, Ph.D., Professor exposed participants to various workshops and performances in music, theater, dance, and performances in music, theater, participants workshops various exposed to 201, evolved that multidisciplinary is a which festival NEXT, Festival of production writing. The and effort LAU itself a collaborative was between festival, annual theater prominent LAU’s from staff, alumni and friends. students, faculty, artists participate international in the event to invited the festival editions, In its previous renowned was this year and skills. Among those invited and share their experiences Aristizabal who ran a three-day Hector and psychologist director Colombian theater in action. on theater workshop and ritual is the place where humanity heals,” said ritual, for is the modern word “Theater had we “Before as a psychologist. in his work theater employ Aristizabal, who used to can open up. It’s very is a place where we and the theater had storytelling, we psychiatrists therapeutic.” dynamics and it in group Nadine Saidi agreed. “I’m interested alumna and LAU Psychologist involved.” the playfulness I really enjoyed experience. has been an enlightening local artists engage more to was and students, and the festival Part reinvent goal to of the Mount Purgatory. Led by School students performed Brummana High the play this year reflecting the and the community, LAU from also included actors Omar Moujaes, the play and meaningful community engagement and service. spirit of strong new festival’s By reinventing the By reinventing

43 Happenings Happenings 46 eloping media v . Consequently, and as . Consequently, days. A closing ceremony, that A closing ceremony, days. . 10 2013 2017 , MDLAB’s aim remains to battle radicalization, extremist battle radicalization, extremist , MDLAB’s aim remains to universities and a huge number of schools incorporate media literacy media literacy and a huge number of schools incorporate universities 36 into their curricula in comparison to none prior to none prior to to curricula in comparison their into the UNESCO- Melki received all the efforts MDLAB, its founder recognition for placed by The academy also comprised six panels, in addition to the screening of the the addition to six panels, in also comprised The academy Education and The Media Majzoub Maya by documentary Television” “Fallen in documentaryFoundation’s Mind: Israel’s PR Wars “The Occupation of the American Sut Jhally’s, of Massachusetts at the University of Communication Professor the U.S.” narrator a Q&A session with him and pro-Palestine by followed Ph.D., screening was Waters. Roger co-founder and Pink Floyd said Raghda El Zein, a participant MDLAB since [it] began,” been coming to and “I’ve get “I always Science and Technology. of and the American University at LAU instructor at AUST.” classrooms my to that I contribute information new the built on they participants the projects presented of the academy, On the last day a period of gained over and skills they knowledge and schools specifically. in the region in general and in the region’s universities literacy over Today, included the distribution of certificates and a concert by Faia Younan, followed the followed Younan, included the distribution of certificatesFaia a concert and by the end of MDLAB presentations and marked at the professor associate Naila Hamdy, and informative,” “Challenging, exciting, participant and faculty Egypt, described her two-week of Cairo from American University at MDLAB. experience Since its launch in 2013 the media and empower inequality, ideologies, human rights injustice, gender then, MDLAB has helped in de education scene in the region. Since

70 at 18 August 7 to was open to more than open to was different countries from August August different countries from 15 institutions and 34

MDLAB Goes Global Goes MDLAB Melki, Ph.D. Jad Director: by Sally Farhat by region, the Media and in the Arab As part increase media and digital literacy of its aim to fifth in its a to target this year of Beirut (MDLAB) returned edition Academy Digital Literacy one. global audience rather than a regional and of Media Research the Institute organized by Norwegian the Embassy, Sponsored by Service Exchange the German Academic and co-sponsored by at LAU, (IMRT) Training MDLAB 2017 Union, and the European DW Akademie, (DAAD), participants from Beirut. LAU Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan, Participating the Arab region included Egypt, Palestine, countries from the first the non-Arab time, And for countries and Yemen. Tunisia, Bahrain, Algeria, Morocco, Bulgaria, and Iran. China, Russia, States, United that participated Germany, were and gender news, media education, fake ranging from topics various covered The academy radicalization, and countering and surveillance, youth privacy digital security, to equality, extremism. the dissemination and the for MDLAB are important allow because they like “Programs of media education,” said Sarah Mallat, instructor spreading in media and digital literacy studies at the Lebanese American University. in the Professor lectures, including Associate keynote Participants several attended Mihalidis’, Ph.D., “Media, Emerson Communication at Department College Paul of Marketing of Journalism and Broadcasting Professor Associate News,” Civic Engagement, and Fake Surveillance, and Ph.D., “Privacy, Moses Shumow’s, University at Florida International of the Department and Chairperson of Communication Professor and Associate Security,” The ISIS Arts Jad Melki’s, Ph.D., “The Communication Design of Modern Terrorism: at LAU Media and Strategy.”

45 Happenings Happenings

Happenings Workshops Data Visualization and Human Rights conducted by Monika Halkort The workshop showed journalism students how to identify and combat hate Fall 2016 speech against refugees with data driven stories and multimedia skills. Acting Workshop on Short Scenes conducted by Catherine Coray - NYU Abu Dhabi Creation and Recreation conducted by Jacqueline Leung, Ph.D. The workshop focused on short scenes, where participants memorized scenes in advance. The workshop allowed participants to practice artistic risk taking and the skill of quick creative thinking while collaborating with others, by exploring free improvisation. Vocal Pedagogy conducted by Malinda Haslett, Ph.D. An interactive workshop focused on mind/body/voice work that culminates in a group song.

Viewpoints Workshop

Thursday, November 24, 2016 @11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. conducted by Catherine Coray - NYU Abu Dhabi LAU Byblos – Selina Korban Auditorium h The workshop was for students who participated in “Acting Workshop on Friday, November 25, 2016 @3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Short Stories” which took place in October 2016. LAU Beirut – Irwin Theatre

The Traviata of American soprano Malinda Haslett Is one of elegance, power, and refinement that is truly otherworldliness. Brilliant, she misses not a drop of emotion to perfect each tableau. Le Soir, Paris Faculty Events Spring 2017 Fall 2016 Content Creation Workshop ” روابط - conducted by Nasser Chour Piano Recital “ LINKS The workshop focused on content and structure of the department‘s faculty Seba Ali promotional video. The solo 60-minute performance that combined piano with visuals was inspired by the concept of life as a string of actions. SAS Fair Workshop for High School Students conducted by Department of Comm Arts In preparation for the fourth Annual School of Arts and Sciences High School Fair, the Department of Communication Arts launched three workshops in journalism, script-writing, and performing arts. 48 47 Happenings 50 for Salzburg for

Ray Furuta, Imad Salame, Mona Knio, and Amr Selim Mona Knio, Imad Salame, Furuta, Ray Nadra Assaf, Sany Abdul Baki, Baki, Abdul Sany Assaf, Nadra Beshara Jimmy Omar Moujaes, Arts Communication Department of faculty faculty of arts politics have The panel discussed the role in politics and how influenced arts and artists. Panel Discussion: “Arts & Politics: “Arts & Politics: Discussion: Panel Relaation” A Mutual Music Performance: “Momentum” Performance: Music faculty A performance dance, music and silent acting. that combined about Youth Competition Video and Money faculty a full scholarship received The winner of the competition Fransabank. by presented Academy, Ray Furuta, Seba Ali, Amr Selim, Ghassan Sahhab Ghassan Ali, Amr Selim, Seba Furuta, Ray Azar, Roger with students in collaboration Al Kamand Soumar Nour Hourany, Department of Communication Arts Communication Department of Malinda Haslett, Seba Ali, Amr Selim & LAU students & LAU Ali, Amr Selim Seba Malinda Haslett,

faculty A concert and Canada. guest artists the U.S. featuring from Music Performance: “Music & Conflict” “Music Music Performance: Departmental Promotional Campaign Promotional Departmental faculty which included The launching of the department‘s campaign, promotional video. and a promotional brochures, posters, Spring 2017 faculty beloved the most songs from of opera, jazz, and cabaret An hour long show seasons (spring, summer, the four around revolved The show works. autumn, and winter). Music Performance: “A Musical Performance: Music Extravaganza”

49 Happenings Happenings 52

Benjamin Zand Benjamin Joe Chemali (Managing Director of MSL Group) MSL Group) of Joe Chemali (Managing Director Burnett) - Leo Planner MSL Group (Senior Arakji Tala Sarah El Richani Sarah Tengroth Assaf Leyla Public Relation : Public Relation Communication of Age New The speakers Spring 2017 – Media Lebanese Launching: The Book Crisis in Perpetual a System of Anatomy author Documentary- mobile) Up (BBC’s Pop BBC Making Bureau supervisor and Her Sisters” “Rim Film Screening: director ” (Bil Halal) ” (Bil Abdelrahim ElAwji ElAwji Abdelrahim بالحالل ”Nights 3000 “

Moderator Maya Majzoub Maya Salam El Zaatari Assad Fouladkar Assad Mai Masri Salam Al Zaatari & Abdel Rahim Augi & Abdel Rahim Al Zaatari Salam Majzoub Maya from ChiNN to BBChi ChiNN to from

Department Arts of Communication Beirut Noon 26

September Irwin Theatre comm.lau.edu.lb [email protected] comm.lau.edu.lb Film Screening: “ Film Screening: director Film Screening: director Fall 2016 Fall Panel Discussion: “From ChiNN to BBChi” ChiNN to “From Discussion: Panel moderator panelists panelists Other Events

51 Happenings Happenings Happenings Off-Campus Events Guest Lecturers Research Performance Practice of Middle Eastern Music on the French Horn by Amr Selim Data Power Conference location Manhattan School of Music, New York, USA. by Monika Halkort Aaron Copland School of Music, Queens location Ottawa, Canada College, CUNY, New York, USA. “Metric Power: Rethinking Data Infrastructures from the Margins of the State.”

NoonArts: The Horn in the Time of Beethoven International Communication by Amr Selim Association Annual Conference location LAU NY, New York, USA by Claudia Kozman & Jad Melki location San Diego, USA “Media dependency and trust during conflict: How Syrian nationals engage Music in Islam with traditional and digital media.” by Amr Selim location LAU NY, New York, USA

International Communication Association Annual Conference Data.Measure.Value: Data by Raluca Cozma & Claudia Kozman Activism in Palestinian location San Diego, USA Refugee Camps by “Social media as information subsidy in the news coverage of the Syrian Monika Halkort crisis: A cross-national analysis.” location Refugee Outreach and Research Network, Academy of Science, Vienna, Austria 54 53 Happenings

A Thank You to our Supporters

In an economic climate where parents struggle to pay the tuitions of their daughters and sons, and in a region where the arts are relegated low priority for funding and high importance for censorship, every ounce of support and every drop of donation counts – be it monetary or inkind.

We dedicate this page to thank all those who supported our department, faculty, and students during these dire economic times and suffocating political arena.

We thank the hundreds of artists, students, academics, activists, and professionals who dedicated time, expertise, effort and finances to our activities, classes, and research. We have more names to list than there is space in this publication. They act in our plays, help in stage designs and equipment set-up, offer guest lectures and workshops, donate props and musical instruments, provide guidance and advice, and offer steadfast support when we push the envelope – and push it we often do!

We are also grateful for the enormous generosity of many institutions and foundations that have funded various activities and offered scholarships to many of our students. These include the Embassy of Norway, the Italian Cultural Institute and the Italian Embassy, the Embassy of Canada, the Embassy of Brazil, Deutsche Welle Akademie, the European Union, the Robert Bosch Foundation, UNESCO, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the Heinrich Boll Foundation, the EU program for Education, Training and Youth (Erasmus+), the Salzburg Global Seminar, Free Press Unlimited (FPU), Global Forum for Media Development (GFMD), USAID, the Lebanese Ministry of Information, Credit Libanais, Fransabank, the National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), Al-Fanar Media, the Alexandria Trust, the Municipality of Jbeil, CIVAD Civil Association, and Victory Byblos Hotel.

Without your help and support, our enormous operation will come to a halt, and our students will miss invaluable experiences and indispensable opportunities. We thank you all and promise you to continue to strive for elevating the communication arts and sciences in Lebanon and the Arab region and persist to push for a just, free and democratic society, where creativity thrives, opportunity abounds, and life prospers.

Jad Melki, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Journalism and Media Studies Chairperson, Department of Communication Arts 55 Department of Communication Arts

THEY SAY IT’S FUN WE SAY IT’S THE FUTURE

Photo: Zeina Fakhreddine #REINVENT COMMUNICATION B.A. in Communication - Minor in Advertising and Public Relations

LAUCOMM [email protected] - comm.lau.edu.lb Beirut Campus Byblos Campus @LAUComm P.O. Box 13-5053 P.O. Box 36 Beirut 1102 2801, Lebanon Byblos, Lebanon LAUComm Tel. +961 1 78 64 56 Tel. +961 9 54 72 54 laucomm +961 3 60 37 03 +961 3 79 13 14 Ext: 1272 Ext: 2872 LAU Comm

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