On Sept. 7, sixteen students took to the stage at NYU Abu Dhabi’s Real AD show at the Abu Dhabi Theatre. The annual performance, which was developed collaboratively over the summer in New York City, pinpoints important — though sometimes undiscussed — issues of adjusting to college life in Abu Dhabi.

“People really didn't know what to expect,” said Chu.

The prelude to the show was the presidential welcome address given by NYU President John Sexton. He shared anecdotes from his childhood and wisdom on starting college for the class of 2017. Sexton’s speech led into the show, which consisted of a series of skits, vignettes and songs about the NYUAD student experience.

“[The show was] about upperclassmen who have gone through the same situation like us and giving us ideas, tips and an image of how it's really like to live in a place like Abu Dhabi and go to a university like NYU Abu Dhabi,” said Chu.

Freshman Emily Wang appreciated the performance.

“The overall atmosphere [of the show] was incredible,” said Wang. “There were some songs that were very touching and personal, and yet there are other songs which sounded a bit too cheesy, but still cute. I liked the overall idea and the way they performed.”

Wang said the show was helpful in informing her about mental health and wellness resources at NYUAD. She was previously unaware of psychiatric services at NYUAD before they were communicated to the student body in the show.

This is the fourth show in Abu Dhabi and the third that has been created by NYUAD students, the first having been developed by NYU New York students in 2010. The Real AD show was created by students for students to address some of the experiences of college life and to provide information about the health and wellness resources available.

NYUAD senior Adam Pivirotto, who was among the Real AD show cast for its Sept. 2011 performance, said this year’s show resonated with him.

“It reminded me about our experiences [creating the show in 2011] and what a positive experience it was,” he said. “It’s contagious how positive the show is.”

After studying away for a year, Pivirotto said watching the performance helped renew his sense of being a student at NYUAD.

“It reminded [me] about what I liked about the university, what it’s like living here, how it’s changed,” said Pivirotto.