What’s big and fat and pink and loves to dress up in fancy clothes? Give up? It’s the Emperor himself in Grey Seal Puppets’ clever adaptation of The Emperor’s New Clothes. Not only is this Emperor big, fat and pink, he just happens to be a pig. The Hans Christian Andersen story takes on a whole new dimension as this classic is transformed into a fable. The crafty tailors are foxes; the prime minister a near-sighted camel; and the councilor, a befuddled old walrus. Even the audience takes part, as animals, of course. Children will recognize the Emperor as a vain ruler who easily falls for the tailor’s story of a magic cloth. Those who can see the cloth are smart and good at what they do. Those who can’t see the cloth are not fit for their jobs and should be fired. It takes the honesty of a child to see what they really are.
Artist Background
Well-known for their trademark whimsical approach to storytelling and exquisite puppet design, Grey Seal Puppets offers a variety of puppet performances sure to tickle your fancy. Their repertoire includes a variety of productions from familiar fairy tales (The Emperor’s New Clothes) to original stories (Bathtub Pirates). The company’s thirty-year history includes such honors as three Citations of Excellence from UNIMA-USA (International puppetry organization), the President’s Award from the Puppeteers of America, and the Award for Leadership in Theatre from the NC Theatre Conference.
Search Criteria
- Program Type: Performance
- Discipline: Literary, Music, Storytelling, Theatre
- Grade Level: Elementary
- Cultural Context: European
- Accepts bookings in Johnston County
