This year Janice Honeyman brings Carlo Collodi’s classic Pinocchio to life.
As the 38th annual edition of Janice Honeyman’s Pantomime plays out on the Nelson Mandela Stage of the Joburg Theatre, photographer Michel Bega went backstage to capture the behind the scenes shenanigans of the playful characters.
Yahto Kraft prepares his outfit in the dressing rooms before beginner’s call. Picture: Michel Bega/The CitizenConstance Pheeha working on a wig backstage. Picture: Michel Bega/The CitizenBrian Ngobese. Picture: Michel Bega/The CitizenZanele Matenji (front left), Caroline Mokwena (centre left), Florah Mothiba (centre right) and Sibongile Ndaba (front) working in the costume room. Picture: Michel Bega/The CitizenKatlego Nche prepares for his role as Pinocchio backstage. Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen(From left) Jordyn Schaefer, Sandi Dlangalala, Gina Shmukler and Jordan Rogers. Picture: Michel Bega/The CitizenLuciano Zuppa. Picture: Michel Bega/The CitizenBo Molefe makes last minute make-up touch-ups. Picture: Michel Bega/The CitizenDonovan Yaards. Picture: Michel Bega/The CitizenKatlego Nche, who performs as Pinocchio rehearses backstage. Pinocchio’s journey takes him through wild adventures, featuring circus magic, puppet shows, pirate ships, techno-trains, and a lively cast of unforgettable characters, including Jiminy Cricket and the cheeky Pussy Galore. Picture: Michel Bega/The CitizenKatlego Nche prepares for his role as Pinocchio backstage. Picture: Michel Bega/The CitizenVirtuous Kandemiri adjust her hat backstage during a performance. Picture: Michel Bega/The CitizenBo Molefe takes a breather through the “arm-hole” of his Minion costume. Picture: Michel Bega/The CitizenInge Lochner. Picture: Michel Bega/The CitizenJordan Rogers. Picture: Michel Bega/The CitizenMicah Stojakovic. Picture: Michel Bega/The CitizenA cast member in costume backstage. Picture: Michel Bega/The CitizenBrenda Radloff, as the Fox. Picture: Michel Bega/The CitizenCamilla Waldman, as the Cat. Picture: Michel Bega/The CitizenDonovan Yaards. Picture: Michel Bega/The CitizenCast members wait in the wings during a performance. Picture: Michel Bega/The CitizenTiaan Rautenbach, as Dame Arletti Spaghetti. Picture: Michel Bega/The CitizenJordyn Schaefer adjusts her wig. Picture: Michel Bega/The CitizenYahto Kraft does a last minute costume check on his dinosaur costume. Picture: Michel Bega/The CitizenDonovan Yaards reacts backstage. Picture: Michel Bega/The CitizenJordan Rogers makes a costume change. Picture: Michel Bega/The CitizenMark Richardson. Picture: Michel Bega/The CitizenCast members wait in the wings before heading out on stage. The creative team includes musical director Dale Ray, costume designer Mariska Meyer, lighting designer Johan Ferreira, production designer Andrew Timm, set designer Enos Ramoroko, sound designer Akhona Bozo and choreographer Khaya Ndlovu. Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen
