Characters:
- The Emperor – A proud and vain ruler.
- The Minister – A loyal but fearful official.
- The Weaver 1 – A clever but dishonest man.
- The Weaver 2 – His partner, equally deceptive.
- The Child – A young boy with no fear of speaking the truth.
- The People – A group of townspeople.
Scene 1: The Palace – Day
(The Emperor is sitting on his throne, looking at himself in a mirror. The Minister enters.)
Minister:
Your Majesty, I have heard that two weavers have arrived in the city. They claim to be able to weave the most beautiful fabric in the world — one that only the wise can see.
Emperor:
A new suit? How exciting! Show them to me immediately!
(The two weavers enter, dressed in simple clothes.)
Weaver 1:
Your Majesty, we are honored to serve you. Our fabric is so fine, it is invisible to those who are not smart enough to appreciate it.
Emperor:
Invisible? That sounds amazing! What color is it?
Weaver 2:
It has no color, Your Majesty. It is the most elegant and rarest fabric ever made.
Emperor:
Then I must have it! Tell me how much it will cost.
Weaver 1:
No cost, Your Majesty. Just a large amount of gold and silk.
Emperor:
Very well! Bring it to me as soon as possible.
Scene 2: The Palace – Later That Day
(The weavers are working in a room, pretending to sew. The Emperor and Minister visit.)
Minister:
Your Majesty, what do you think of the fabric?
Emperor:
I don’t see anything. But I must be foolish. I cannot let anyone know that.
Minister:
Yes, Your Majesty. It’s very beautiful.
(They both leave, pretending to admire the invisible cloth.)
Scene 3: The City Square – The Next Day
(The Emperor walks through the square, wearing a new suit. Everyone watches in awe.)
People:
What a magnificent outfit! So elegant!
Child:
But… he’s not wearing anything!
People:
Shhh! Don’t say that! You’re not smart enough to see the clothes!
Child:
But I can see that he’s naked!
(Everyone turns silent. The Emperor stops walking. He looks around, confused.)
Emperor:
What did the child say?
Minister:
Nothing, Your Majesty. It’s just a silly little boy.
Emperor:
But… I feel like I’m not wearing anything.
Weaver 1:
You are, Your Majesty. It’s just that only the wise can see it.
Emperor:
I must be wise. I will continue walking.
(He continues, still in his undergarments, while the people cheer.)
Scene 4: The Palace – Later That Day
(The Emperor is alone, thinking. The Minister enters.)
Minister:
Your Majesty, the people are still talking about your new clothes.
Emperor:
They are all lying. I must act as if I am happy.
Minister:
Yes, Your Majesty. We must protect the dignity of the crown.
Emperor:
And the weavers? What will become of them?
Minister:
They have already left the city. No one saw them.
Emperor:
Good. Let them disappear.
(The Emperor sits down, looking at the empty space where his new clothes should be.)
Emperor (to himself):
Perhaps I was wrong to believe in their lies.
End of Play
