Hope's Insights on Pinocchio

Welcome to Pinocchio, Will Tuckett’s delightful story ballet for The National Ballet of Canada, set to an original score by Paul Englishby. Family-friendly productions are often a first step into the world of ballet and Pinocchio is a magical place to begin, crafted by a leading choreographer in the narrative form. This season, we’ve refined the production to sharpen the storytelling for a new generation of artists and audiences.

The Storytelling

Will embraces the episodic structure of Carlo Collodi’s original tale, shaping a series of adventures that each pose a moral dilemma. Pinocchio navigates these with the guidance of the Blue Fairy – a journey voiced through the Narrators. For the first time, the Narrators are being performed by professional actors whose skill in breaking the fourth wall will draw young viewers more deeply into the story. We are also proud to include an ASL interpreter at every performance to further support the storytelling and uphold our commitment to providing access for all.

A Visual Feast

Each episode in Pinocchio is a universe infused with physical comedy and theatrical magic. Visually, the production is fantastic in the truest sense of the word, brimming with colour and a sense of play that perfectly suits the story. Designer Colin Richmond includes whimsical Canadian touches, such as a melancholy moose, bearded lumberjacks and a pair of Niagara Falls tourists. Pinocchio, with his wooden curls and growing nose, is never short on adventure, whether that’s a Petrushka-inspired puppet show or a swim inside the belly of a whale.

Pinocchio is a joyful showcase of Will’s theatrical sensibility and a chance to be fully immersed in one of the world’s most beloved children’s tales. I can’t wait for you to experience it.

Warmly,

Hope Muir, Joan and Jerry Lozinski Artistic Director

Pinocchio is onstage March 13 – 22.

About Pinocchio

Top Photo: Hope Muir. Photo by Ted Belton.