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Doha: The beauty and passion of Keats, TS Eliot and many more were brought to life recently during the annual Doha College Poetry Night.
More than 50 students, aged 11 to 18, mesmerised the 100-strong guests with 28 poems and readings — including some in Arabic, French, Spanish and German — during the 90 minute event at the Doha College Al Waab auditorium.
Doha College Head of English Clare Fairley said it was one of the best nights they had held, with the poems reflecting the “Change” theme. She said, “This successful annual event is a fantastic platform for our students to perform their favourite poems and readings.”
“It’s also a perfect opportunity for Doha College students to share their literature from their cultures. Overall, the event is aimed at encouraging all students’ passion for, and enjoyment of, literature and poetry.”
Fairley praised the efforts and commitment by the students, all of which had gone through an audition in order to perform last night. All the poems were chosen by the students, who were free to interpret the theme, Change, as physical, physiological or spiritual.
“I would like to make a special mention of our Modern Foreign Language students and music students who helped to create a great evening of entertainment,” Fairley said.
“Our Year 12 students performed the Spanish poem Hasta siempre mi by Carlos Puebla, the French students chose Le Pont Mirabeau by Guillaume Apollinaire, and Year 13 German chose a piece that reflected their feelings on the refugee issues in Europe.
“Also stars on the night were Year 8 students Hafsa Khan and Maya Stafrace who performed the poem Al Fata An-Nadheefu in Arabic.” Year 8 student Tatiana Fairley had to contend with more than performance nerves as she braved the stage with her leg in plaster. Aside from the crutches, Tatiana said the most difficult aspect was remembering the 11 stanzas of the poem, Change is inevitable by Gina Whitacre.
The Peninsula
