An unusual production finishes its run this weekend at the Tobin Center. It's a morality tale that you almost surely grew up with. Here's Roberto Prestigiacomo.
"Pinocchio is an old Italian tale that has been brought to us by Teatro Del Drago," he says.
Teatro Del Drago is a theater troupe here from Italy, and has been doing this kind of thing there for a very long time.
"It is about almost 200 years. So they have these traditions that they can bring to us," Prestigiacomo said.
Traditional Old World hand and shadow puppetry are their specialties.
"The relationship between the puppet and the puppeteer is such that they become one. At times the puppet is looking at the puppeteer like 'What are you doing?'"
Puppeteers manipulate their puppets right there onstage, so being seen is part of their act. Pinocchio is also a musical, though the lyrics for songs are jiberish. He says the audiences get it anyway.
"The audience will hear sounds, will see images, see movements and will understand what is happening perfectly. It is sophisticated, the way they present it to us."
Prestigiacomo says this production is a highly traveled one.
"Pinocchio has been traveled all over the world. It has been produced in China, of course all over Europe, Russia, and is one of the most popular productions they have done."
Pinocchio is playing at the Carlos Alvarez Theater at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts.
"Our last week of performances is Wednesday through Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2:30 p.m."
For more on Pinocchio, go here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAizIJKIm8A
