Pinocchio show in Safa Park becomes big hit

Dubai's public parks have become a major centre of attraction during the Dubai Shopping Festival, due to a number of entertainment activities, including the Pinocchio show.

Children are flocking in hundreds to Safa Park to see Pinocchio, the wooden boy whose nose grows longer and longer every time he tells a lie.

The Pinocchio show, performed thrice a day due to heavy rush, has been declared a big hit among the entertainment programmes organised by Dubai Municipality as part of the DSF. The show, coupled with scintillating puppet performances and awe-inspiring juggling, is supported by audio-visual effects and pyro techniques.

Pinocchio, a classic of children's literature written by Tuscan writer Carlo Lorenzini under the pen name C. Collodi, tells the story of a naughty wooden puppet who walks and talks — and whose nose grows longer and longer every time he tells a lie.

The show starts with the stilt walker and other characters entering the arena, who freely mingle with the enthusiastic crowd, especially the children folk.

A large screen on the stage shows the image of the book of Pinocchio. The image on the screen changes during the show to become the background of each scene. However, the book remains the background during most of the time. The image changes to countryside, toy shop and other scenes accordingly.

The story starts during the winter festival in Geppetto's Toy Shop, where Geppetto, the elderly wooden toy maker, arranges his toys. He shows his new puppet, which he calls Pinocchio. When he falls asleep, the Blue Fairy comes and grants the old man's wish. The old man, who had no children, had wished that all his toys would come alive. His dream comes true and all his toys come alive, singing and dancing.