Chronik

The Dorian Gray Project of the 7i, 7z, 8Mab and 8z

Linz - 15.03.2013

Amazingly creative talents to be found - not only in art classes! Since this years school tour production of "Viennas English Theatre was "The Picture based on Oscar Wildes "The Picture of Dorian Gray , I decided to do a project with my English classes on it.

The students read the book and we discussed various aspects in class. When I asked them at the end how they would adapt this story for a modern version, they came up with lots of good suggestions, one of which was basically a version of the play that we later saw on January 16th at the Neues Rathaus.
Being the teacher that I am, I asked them to do a project folder that included several tasks. Some were compulsory (a summary, a web showing the relationship of the characters, a timeline,), they could write a letter to one of the characters - some interesting ones there! - or some entries of one of the characters diary - excellent ideas in a lot of them! - or retell the story from a different point of view.
However, the most striking ideas and creations came up in the creative-projects section.
We got to play a card game based on the book in the 8MAB, you can read an issue of "The Hallward Times and of "Society Life (two newspapers based on the story) from three "journalists in the 8Z, several people (mainly in 7I and 7Z) created interesting playlists/soundtracks for the book. Some people tried to rewrite parts of the story as a comic or created a scrapbook for one of the characters. It turned out that weve got some poets in the making, too, at our school: some students rewrote the story or part of it as a poem, and came up with various types of great lyrics.
Most of the students decided to either design a fan T-shirt or a facebook page.
Personally I hope that the project was not only "lots of work but also some fun - the results certainly were really good. Please enjoy some examples of the creative talent of our students.

Poems

There was once a very handsome man
His name is, truly, Dorian
He always stays the same age
With the same pretty face

He made a wish and it came true
But we dont know what hes been through
Basil painted his portrait
So he gave his soul away

Now he does not grow old
And his heart is very cold
If you want to know the rest, you have to have a look
At the book

(Barbara Rohringer, 8Z)

A picture of perfection,
a curious sight.
Hidden from view,
An amazing delight.

To barter ones soul
Is to truly give in,
To admire defeat,
And to let darkness in.

But to stay young forever?
An incredible feat,
To impress those around you
And all those you meet.

Your inside is dying,
Subject to curse.
Pleasure and desire
Have emptied your purse.

(Lukas Panholzer, 8MA)

My secret of life

My life has changed in so many ways
But with you it passed like a few days
Never thought I cpild live without you
Drinkin, amusing, gong on with life, is now what I do
Im prepared for everything that life holds for me
Taking over the world, being Prince Charming for everyone, is all I want to be
Theres no place for just one soul in my heart
Every woman of me should take a part
Who taught me these little secrets of life?
It was Henry - he and I will pay the price
I dont care if I pay for what I have done
For me it all was just fun
When I leave, everything will be the same, and I wont regret
"Cause no one will ever figure out my little secret

(Mariam Melchart, 8MA)

Edith Pichler

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