Paul Geday Oral History

Paul Geday attended the American University in Cairo as an undergraduate from 1974 to 1979, and as a Master’s degree student in the Adham Center for Television Journalism in the 1980s. He describes the AUC student body in the 1970s, indicating its diversity and the attraction of the university for its liberal arts education and as a refuge. A Chemistry major, Geday spent much of his time at AUC pursuing theater activities, serving as its long-time lighting and technical director. He recollects the many productions mounted, student participants, and theater spaces. David Woodman, the faculty member heading the theater program, is described, along with the extensive responsibilities accorded to students involved in theater at AUC. A portrait of student social life if offered, including entertainment events and a sketch of the areas of campus frequented by various groups of students. Food options are mentioned, as well as the film on the AUC cafeteria he made with a documentary filmmaker. Geday recounts his study towards a Master’s degree at the newly established Adham Center for Television Journalism in the late 1980s, including the instructors and his projects. He outlines his wide-ranging career is covered, from work in his father’s leather company to theater production, advertising, publishing, photography, and filmmaking. Geday also laments recent alterations to the AUC Tahrir Square campus, including the demolition of the Science Building, whose architectural features he praises