Pinocchio

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

The puppet created by Carlo Collodi remains one of the world’s greatest publishing phenomena of the past two centuries. The course will analyze the text of the fairy tale and the symbolism of its characters, exploring modern interpretations of the story. A significant portion of the class will focus on global theatrical and cinematic adaptations, ranging from the first silent film and the Disney classic to the Soviet version. In terms of theater, we will analyze the legendary Pinocchio adapted and directed by Yasha Frank for the New Deal’s Federal Theatre Project. The show was a massive coast-to-coast success that ultimately ended when the FTP was shut down over alleged communist activities. We will also examine texts from the Italian theatrical avant-garde and beyond. Furthermore, we will collaboratively develop scenes for a hypothetical play titled “Who Killed Pinocchio?” The scenes will center on the final NYC performance of Frank's Pinocchio on June 30, 1939. We have access to the original music, which can be integrated into the two to three (or more) scenes we write. The course is expected to conclude with a short final performance. The course will be conducted in English.