TEHRAN- A musical adaptation of the folktale "The Emperor's New Clothes," will go on stage for children in Niavaran Cultural Center in Tehran on Wednesday.

Sepideh Zeinali is the director of the play, which will remain on stage until Friday. 

Alireza Zokai, Hossein Moqaddassin, Amir Ali Sohbati and Maryam Sadeqian Amin are the main members of the cast for the play. 
 
"The Emperor's New Clothes" is a classic folktale written by Hans Christian Andersen, first published in 1837. The story is a satirical take on vanity, pride, and the nature of truth, showcasing how people can be swayed by social expectations and appearances.

The tale follows an emperor who is obsessed with fashion and prides himself on wearing the most exquisite clothes. When two swindlers arrive in town, they claim to be able to weave the most magnificent fabric that is invisible to anyone who is incompetent or unfit for their position. Intrigued by their claims and eager to prove his own wisdom, the emperor hires the swindlers to create garments made from this magical fabric.

As the swindlers pretend to weave, they do not actually produce any fabric at all. However, fearing that they will be revealed as foolish or unfit for their roles, the emperor and his ministers pretend to see and admire the nonexistent clothes. The entire court goes along with the ruse, each person too proud to admit they cannot see the garments.

When the emperor finally parades through the streets in his new “clothes,” the crowd also pretends to admire his attire, worried about what others might think of them if they disagree. It is only when a small child in the crowd innocently exclaims that the emperor is wearing nothing at all that the facade shatters. The truth is revealed, and while the emperor realizes he has been deceived, he continues the procession, too proud to acknowledge his embarrassment.

The story serves as a powerful reminder about the dangers of vanity, the power of collective deception, and the importance of honesty. It illustrates how the desire to conform can lead individuals to abandon their common sense and speak untruths, often out of fear of judgment.

SAB/