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Behind the Opera:

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The Emperor's New Clothes is an opera-a play in which all or most of the words are sung by the characters. The opera is set in a faraway kingdom that is ruled by an Emperor who is known for his vanity and driven by his love for new clothes. The Emperor's Assistant, Chernaud arranges for his daughter (Reyalto) to marry a rich Duke and promises the Emperor a starring role in the wedding. Reyalto, however wants to marry for love, and not for money. She meets Simon, a young tailor's apprentice, who is delivering a stunning robe to the Emperor. But, when the Emperor discovers that the robe is muddy and torn, he angrily locks poor Simon in a cage.

Through trickery, and a little magic, a gypsy woman called Messienne helps Reyalto to free Simon and stop her wedding to the Duke. Disguised as tailors, Messienne and Reyalto pretend to weave magic fabric. They convince the Emperor that only loyal subjects can see the fabric. Unaware that he has been tricked, the Emperor proudly wears his new "clothes". Who will be honest and brave enough to admit, "The Emperor has no clothes?!"
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Illustrations by Ray Cruz.Used with permission by Anthenum Books.