An Emperor, obsessed with the latest fashion, falls prey to two tricksters who boast they will make him a new ensemble, visible only to those who are "good at their jobs". Worried about other people's opinions, the Emperor and everyone else pretend to see what isn't there -- everyone except one child who is unafraid to tell the truth.
Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's classic story, this play received two Jessie Richardson awards (ensemble performance, design) as well as two Dora Mavor Moore nominations (outstanding production, outstanding performance).
First Produced by Axis Theatre, Vancouver, BC, 2007
Also produced by Project X, Kamloops BC, 2025
Genre: Comedy, Theatre for Young Audiences
Run Time: 50 minutes
Acts: 1
Suitable for all ages
Cast size: 3 actors
Male Cast: 2
Female Cast: 1
Casting Notes: Can be performed with two actors with doubling, (open to any age, gender, racialization)
Cover art by Melody Anderson