Pinocchio
Pinocchio is a fictional character and the main protagonist of the children's novel The Adventures of Pinocchio (1883), by the Italian writer Carlo Collodi.
Contents
The original story
Carved by a woodcarver named Geppetto in a small Italian village, he was created as a wooden puppet, but dreamed of becoming a real boy. He has also been used as a character who is prone to telling lies and fabricating stories for various reasons. The story has appeared in many adaptations in other mediums. Pinocchio has been called an icon of modern culture, and one of most reimagined characters in the pantheon of children's literature. (Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinocchio).
Translations and adaptations
A script from Collodi's original story was written by Brian Way and Warren Jenkins.
An Afrikaans adaptation was done by Angerie van Wyk
Performance history in South Africa
1956: Produced to celebrate the tenth birthday of Children's Theatre in 1956 in the Arena Theatre, presented by Clifford Williams. Also featuring Jacqueline St. Clere, Robert Wilson and Roger Spence.
1979: Produced by Children's Theatre Productions (formed by Joyce Levinsohn and Jill Girard), staged at the Alhambra Theatre, 9 to 28 July.
1992: A People's Theatre production at the Intimate Theatre in 1992 featured Mark Richardson, Samantha Peo, Edward Baker-Duly, Jan Stoop, Simon Jones. The role of Pinocchio was shared by Colin Guerin and Rory Till.
Sources
Helikon, 6(23), 1956.
The Rand Daily Mail, 13 June 1979.
Sunday Star, 29 March 1992.
Go to ESAT Bibliography
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