"Pinocchio"

For the past 13 years some of the JETs in Tokushima Prefecture have written, produced, and performed a musical in several theaters around the prefecture. This year’s show is “Pinocchio” and it’s more of a dancical than a musical because nobody really sings (mostly lip syncing). The play includes junior high school level English and several Japanese phrases, so all of our students can have an experience outside of class to enjoy practicing their English. Each scene is outlined in Japanese in the playbill too. I decided to join in, and now I’m playing the tap dancing candlestick maker, Pinocchio’s homeroom teacher with a midwestern accent, and a yakuza (Japanese mafia) gang member. So far it’s been a lot of fun. We’ve had four performances so far, and the last one is coming up this weekend. Many elementary students were able to understand and enjoy it, so it was simple enough for them, yet it wasn’t too slow or basic because the native English speakers in the audience found it really humorous. Here are some pictures of the cast.







Apparently the Japanese mafia are well-known for their tattoos and Hawaiian shirt wearing tendencies. Tattoos are taboo in Japan because of this association. I was really surprised by the Hawaiian shirt tidbit. So Dad, don't bring your vacation shirts next week.