 The character of Johan Padan is inspired by both the commedia dell'arte characters of Zanni and Harlequin (characters whom Fo frequently draws upon) and by such historical figures as Cabeza de Vaca, Hans Staten, Gonzalo Guerrico and Michele da Cuneo, early European sailors and explorers of the Americas who came to sympathize with the native peoples and often aided them in resisting Europeans.Ed Emery has carried out an English translation.In 2002, the play was adapted into an animation film directed by Giulio Cingoli, "Venetian Rascal Goes to America" (Italian