This is the three-dimensional model of the design Adel Migid created for "Hedda Gabler" — his 150th production at UA. The play debuts Feb. 25.
Fifty-four years, seven universities and 274 creative works — any production designer would be proud to claim the body of work that University of Akron professor Adel Migid has created during his career.
The award-winning designer and professor of theatre arts is the coordinator of production/design technology in the School of Dance, Theatre, and Arts Administration. Since joining UA in 1980, Migid has devoted his time, energy and creative efforts to setting the perfect scenes for a wide variety of plays, musicals, operas and dance performances. The opening of the Ibsen drama “Hedda Gabler” on Feb. 25 in Daum Theatre in Kolbe Hall marks Migid’s 150th production at UA.
His life of creativity and design began in Cairo, Egypt, where Migid studied and taught theatre arts at the Academy of Fine Arts. He then attended school in Italy before coming to the United States, where he earned an MFA in Theatre Arts at The Ohio University in 1972. Migid was a guest artist and professor at several universities, ranging from the University of Texas to the University of Montana, before being recruited to join UA to launch the undergraduate and graduate production design and technical theatre program.
Over the years, UA audiences have seen his designs for a shows as diverse as “Cabaret,” “Swan Lake,” “Godspell,” “Little Shop of Horrors and “Madam Butterfly.”
Collaboration is key
“I start by taking into account the expressive nature of the drama I am working with, what the directors and playwright want for the set, and the practicality of my vision,” says Migid of his design process. Next, he illustrates a small version of what the set will look like, creates a 3D model and then sends on his designs to be built.
His work on “Hedda Gabler” illustrates his approach well.
Theatre Arts Professor James Slowiak is directing the play. While the story takes place in Gabler’s villa, Slowiak wanted more than a simple box set or backdrop.
“Jim mentioned in our first production meeting that he did not want to see solid walls for the set, even though the entire show takes place in the house’s living room and office,” recalls Migid with a laugh. “So, I created what appears to be a ‘cage’ of Hedda’s demeanor instead of actual walls. The pieces of the scenic elements can be moved around to give the illusion that the audience is viewing different parts of the space during different scenes.”
Drawing the audience into the story
Crafting a different world for the audience is the most important part of his work, Migid continues. “The sets I create must be able to put the audience in the mood of the show — they have to believe it.
“Productions here are so important because they need to be something that an audience will enjoy, that students will learn from, and that the community will appreciate and get a message from,” adds Migid, who received a Fulbright Senior Scholar Award for Lecture and Research in 2004.
Working in education is a passion to Migid, as Donna Mittler, a former student, knows well.
“To say that Professor Migid changed my life is an understatement,” says Mittler. “He renewed my enthusiasm for theatre. I am a better teacher, scenic designer, director and actor because Adel Migid became my teacher, advisor and mentor. I believe that Adel's greatest accomplishment is his success with students.”
Visit “Hedda Gabler” online to learn more or call the School of Dance, Theatre, and Arts Administration ticket office at 330-972-7895.
Story by Julie Mullet
Media contact: Lisa Craig, 330-972-7429 or lmc91@uakron.edu.
A few of the set design illustrations from his long career at UA hang in Adel Migid's office.
This is Adel Migid's illustration for the set he designed for UA's production of the musical "Cabaret" in 2011.