Premiere - October 3, 2004, Toronto ON
Choreographer - Benjamin Hatcher
Composer - Ivan Barbotin
Score Recorded by - Canadian Chamber Ensemble, conducted by Daniel Warren
Set Design - Glenn Davidson
Costume Design - Bonnie Deakin
Lighting Design - Jason Golinsky
Narration - Nadine Rabinovitch
Scenic Carpentry - Will Sutton, Simon Richards, Bill Stahl
Scenic Artists - Ellie Arscott, Katherine Lilley
Costumes - Industry Costumes
Costume Cutter - Brenda Clark
Costume Construction - Ginny Stolee
Sound Engineer - Keith Horner
SYNOPSIS
Scene 1: The Town Square
The townspeople sleepily go about their morning routine then emerge from their houses. The Emperor appears and dances for the townspeople, showing off his beautiful clothing. When the Emperor leaves, the townspeople return to their homes.
Scene 2:
The Swindler appears on stage and imitates the Emperor's silly dance. He is tired and hungry and knocks on all the doors asking for food, but is rejected. Suddenly, he comes up with a plan.
Scene 3: The Town Square
The townspeople are surprised by the Swindler, who appears disguised as a merchant with many fine fabrics. When the Emperor rushes out, the Swindler promises to make special clothing just for him.
Scene 4: Inside the Palace
The Swindler is shown to his room by the Emperor.
Scene 5: The Emperor's Court
The Emperor is teaching a court dance to his ministers when he summons his Tailor for something new to wear , but does not like what is proposed. He sends one of his ministers to check on the progress of his new clothing.
Scene 6: The Swindler's Work Room
The Swindler is fast asleep when the Minister pays a visit. The Minister sees no clothes, but does not want to admit this. The Swindler convinces him that he is hard at work and the minister leaves, confused.
Scene 7: The Emperor's Court
The Emperor is teaching a dance lesson when the Tailor rushes in and produces a new pair of running shoes. The Minister returns and tells the Emperor that the clothes are not yet complete.
Scene 8: The Swindler's Room
The Emperor enters to see his new clothes. The Swindler proposes that The Emperor put on all the new clothes and display them in a grand procession.
Scene 9: The Town Square
The villagers come out and ready themselves for the royal procession. When the royal trumpet sounds, the Emperor slowly appears, followed by the Swindler.
A young child appears and declares that the Emperor has no clothes on. The Emperor is furious but later laughs at the trick. The Emperor runs into the palace and throws clothes down from the balcony and all the townspeople dress in different clothes. They discover that it is all right to look different from their fellow neighbours and even though they do not resemble each other, they are still a united people.
