The Emperor on the Dung Heap
"The Emperor" is a satire on the totalitarian system and, at the same time, a study of human character and weaknesses. The play refers to the historical figure of the first emperor of China, who began the construction of the Great Wall and so oppressed his people that after his death the peasants rose up and the Qin dynasty collapsed.
PERSONS
Emperor
Fool
General Wu
Chancellor We
The beautiful Li - a lady-in-waiting
Stable boy Lo - friend of the beautiful Li
Original in German
ACTION
Fred Apke's play alludes to a historical figure, namely the first ruler of the Chinese empire, who ended the Warring States period by conquering six other states and instigating the construction of the Great Wall of China.
The problems that the Bogdan Nauki animation theatre presented to the youngest and the somewhat older children for discussion gained in power and urgency.
The difficult, indeed impossible, art of governing, which oscillates between anarchy and dictatorship, human weaknesses and inadequacies that grow into international problems and lead to wars, coups and manipulated trials.
REVIEWS
Satire on totalitarian systems
Fred Apke's "The Emperor" has become an artistic success.
It astonishes with its form, captivates with its drama, touches with its love story, entertains with its references to the present, and evokes bitter laughter.
But it also provokes thought and sends shivers down your spine. And it does so very effectively. Children can easily find in this story references to their own rebellion against the dictatorship of the majority, against societal hypocrisy and manipulation.
(Piotr Grosman, Teatr dla Wszystkich)
The youngest viewers were treated not only to a colorful, attractive show, but also to a clever, moving performance.
The character of the groom, Lo, evokes great sympathy and trust, and the young audience repeatedly cheers him on – thanks to Emil Musialski. Recognition is also due to Lidia Lisowicz, who gifted the audience with the title role of the fearful, vain hunchbacked emperor hiding in his palace.
The integrity of Fred Apke's direction, the precision of his performance, and the genuine partnership with the young audience have created a production on the stage of the Bogdan Nauki Zdrojowy Animation Theatre that is relevant to today's world.
(Merwan, portaliku24.pl.)