Shades of Gray – The Story
Dorian, Adonis-like, performs for his reflection in ‘Narcisse au Lac‘. He and his partner, a famous Ballerina, take their bows. Her fame has given him wings.
Backstage he is attended by his loyal Masseur before being interrupted by a renowned Photographer. In his studio, Dorian admires the resulting portraits – they alert him to his fleeting youth. A pact is made. The in-crowd arrives to fawn. A Superstar and a Film Idol vie for his attention before the trio slips into a drugged euphoria. Enter the world of Dorian Gray.
The dance boom arrives in all its diversity. Dorian adapts, but his partner, the aging Ballerina, is less successful. Dorian’s gaze shifts to a Rising Star.
Off stage Dorian’s antics become more extreme, his haunts more dark and depraved. His portraits begin to change, subtly at first then less so, as his Shades reflect his deeds.
Times change, Dorian doesn’t. Those around him begin to wither, or worse. The Superstar, haggard and distraught, pleads for one last fix.
The Photographer, horrified at the monster he has somehow created, attempts to destroy both art and subject. Dorian prevails and the Shades rejoice.
Dorian presides over an AIDS Fundraising Gala graced by a Royal Patron. In the studio the Masseur, aware of Dorian’s excesses, torches the evidence.
As Dorian performs his signature role ‘Narcisse‘, the destruction of the Shades brings on the inevitable.