Those who have followed my ramblings about life in Libya, both from TEA IN TRIPOLI and my blogs, will know that the search for seasonal spirit during my only Christmas in that country was rigorous and futile. I’ve always wondered whether my mood could have been lifted if the Tripoli Players’ pantomime, Puss in Boots, had been mounted before Christmas rather than in early spring. Either way, here is the program from that show, which took place in the Recreation Hall at the Oil Companies School in Tripoli.
Please note that, while I was invited to audition for this show, I politely declined, being far too shy in those days to take the stage, even though I secretly dreamed of being an actress. My name — Berni Willett, as it was back then — is listed on page 3 under “Make-up/Hair.” This is a joke in itself: any of my theatre colleagues will confirm that my talents at hair and make-up are laughable to this day. The title, “General Dogsbody #1” might’ve suited me much better.
