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 (1826-1890)[1].

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.[2].

Translations and adaptations

A script from Collodi's original story was written by Brian Way and Warren Jenkins.

An Afrikaans translation and adaptation was done by Angerie van Wyk circa 1994.

An Afrikaans adaptation called Brompot & Pinocchio was written and performed by At Strydom in 2005.

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.

circa1994-6: Performed in Afrikaans by the Drama Department at the University of Stellenbosch, translated and directed by Angerie van Wyk, with a cast that included Franci Swanepoel.