The Emperor's Dilemma

 

Hippo Theatre Group presents the interactive children’s play “The Emperor’s Dilemma”, inviting the audience on a journey to explore the relationship between the virtual and the real world.

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About the Play:

In an era where Artificial Intelligence is becoming an integral part of our daily lives, The Emperor’s Dilemma addresses, with sensitivity and humor, the contrasts between the digital and physical worlds, as well as the challenges that arise from their interplay.

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Plot:

The Emperor of China, Cheng Tu Te, is deeply saddened, and the only way to restore his happiness is by listening to the healing song of a rare, magical nightingale. Servants and courtiers scour the farthest corners of China to find the bird and persuade it to come to the palace and save their emperor. The emperor regains his joy, but one day he receives a gift from the Emperor of Japan: a mechanical nightingale that sings just as beautifully. The mechanical bird, though devoid of real emotions, boasts impressive advantages — it never tires or loses its voice. Cheng Tu Te faces a dilemma: which nightingale should he keep?

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Highlights of the Performance:

The play is based on Hans Christian Andersen's classic fairy tale, The Nightingale. The text has been adapted with a modern perspective, combining sensitivity and humor to deliver a fun yet thought-provoking experience.

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The story is brought to life using physical theater techniques, emphasizing expression, movement, dance, and voice. Through a blend of humor and heartfelt moments, the actors deliver a dynamic performance that captivates audiences of all ages. At specific moments, children are encouraged to actively participate in the narrative, fostering interaction, emotional engagement, and critical thinking.

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Key Questions Explored:

• Why do I enjoy spending time online?

• What makes a friend important?

• What can I learn from the internet?

• What can I learn from my friends?​

 

The play was at first performed at Nemea Archeological space during the All Greece on Civilization Festival in July of 2021.

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The show was performed in greek school all over Greece during 2023-2025 school year and also toured the Greek schools of various countries in central Europe (Spring 2025). The european tour was financilly supported by the Greek Ministry of Culture.

 

Awards:

The play won second prize at the STRUS International Festival for Children and Youth held in Lviv, Ukraine, in October 2021.

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The play is published in Greek by Dodoni Publications, Athens, Greece .

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Production Details:

• Play & Direction: Alexandros Raptis & Fotis Dousos (Hippo Theatre Group)

• Assistant Directors: Michaela Lioliou, Aggeliki Ioakeimidi

• Set & Costume Design: Katerina Chatzopoulou

• Masks: Martha Foka

• Choreography: Mika Stefanaki

• Music: Alexandros Raptis

• Hip-Hop Song & Orchestration: Yorgos Dousos

• Educational Activities Design: Sissy Ignatidou & Alexandros Raptis

• Cast 2021: Sissy Ignatidou, Andromachi Makridou, Christina Mpakastathi

• 1st Cast 2024: Myrto Makri, Eleni Tzaferi

• 2nd Cast 2024: Vivi Tsormpa, Dafni Moutzikou

 

Performance Details:

• Duration: 60 minutes

• Age Group: 4-14 years