Can't Pay? Won't Pay!

A farce by Dario Fo (born 1926) written in Italian in 1974, titled Non si paga! Non si paga!

The original text

Translation into English, published by Methuen, 1987.

Translations and adaptations

Can't pay? won't pay! translated by Lino Pertile; adapted by Bill Colvill and Robert Walker; introduced by Stuart Hood and Franca Rame. Translation and adaptation of: Non si paga, non si paga! This adaptation was commissioned by Omega Stage and first presented at the Criterion Theatre, London on July 15, 1981. Previously published under title: We can’t pay? we won’t pay!

Performance history in South Africa

1982: Opened 19 January 1982 at the People's Space.

1982: Directed by Dieter Reible at Upstairs at the Market opening 22 March 1982.

1993: Produced by CAPAB Drama opening 21 August 1993 at the Nico Arena directed by Mavis Taylor, set design by Keith Anderson, lighting design by Jack Arnott. The cast: Camilla Waldman (Antonia), Jamie Bartlett (Giovanni), Anthony Bishop (Luigi), Gail Reagon (Margherita), Peter Butler (Sergeant, Inspector, Undertaker, Old Man).

1993: National Arts Festival Fringe, directed by Warren Nebe. It was performed by a predominantly deaf cast using sign language.

Sources

1789 programme, 1981.

Market Theatre Annual Report 1983.

Can't Pay? Won't Pay! programme, 1993

Stellenbosch University Library Catalogue.

National Arts Festival programme, 1993. 173.

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