Chicago: Waldorf School Students Reflect on Fame & Manipulation
Graz, Austria – Students at the Waldorfschule Karl Schubert Graz are preparing to stage a production of “Chicago: The Musical” from March 13th to 21st, 2026, at the Kristallwerk venue in Graz. The performance, featuring students from the school’s Werkoberstufe and HPM programs, explores themes of celebrity, justice, and media manipulation.
The musical, set in the 1920s, follows Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly as they navigate a criminal justice system heavily influenced by public perception and skillful lawyers, particularly Billy Flynn. According to promotional material, the production aims to expose how the characters manipulate the media to portray themselves as innocent, even in the face of guilt.
The Waldorfschule Karl Schubert Graz, founded on the pedagogical concepts of Rudolf Steiner, who established the first Waldorf school in Stuttgart in 1919, emphasizes a holistic approach to education. The school’s website notes that Steiner’s “Menschenkunde” – a study of human nature – serves as a foundational tool for teachers. The school’s curriculum is designed to align with the developmental stages of students, and practical experiences outside of the classroom are incorporated to foster self-awareness and career exploration.
The choice of “Chicago” as a student production is notable for its contemporary relevance. The musical’s exploration of how public image and media influence perceptions of guilt and innocence resonates with modern concerns about social media and the rapid spread of information. The production materials highlight parallels between the tactics used by Roxie and Velma in the 1920s and the ways scandals are amplified and individuals become “medienstars” in the digital age.
Prior to the musical, the Waldorfschule Karl Schubert Graz will host an internal Faschingsfest on February 13th, 2026, and will be on semester break from February 16th to 22nd. The school also hosted a performance of “Asterix und das grüne Gold” on February 12th, 2026. Tickets for “Chicago: The Musical” are available through Eventfrog.