The Empress’s New Dress

On Sunday, February 15, 2026 at 5:00 PM, at the Teatro Spazio Reno in Calderara di Reno, the family show The Empress’s New Dress takes the stage.

The Empress’s New Dress is a show whose story presents itself as a sequel to the famous fairy tale by H.C. Andersen and tells the story of the emperor’s daughter, Caterina. Empress Caterina lives in her palace always in the company of a magical mirror whose task is to ensure that the protagonist is always respectful of rules of conduct and always aesthetically impeccable. The mirror allows her to constantly monitor her appearance and, if necessary, alters her reflection through the use of filters, which Caterina happily and unquestioningly believes.
The day of her eighteenth birthday takes an unexpected turn when the most anticipated gift arrives at the palace, from her father: a dress that, by tradition, she must wear that very evening in front of all the people. The dress has a small detail: it is invisible to anyone who is foolish. From this moment on, Caterina will no longer know whom to believe: her father, the mirror, or her own eyes. Insecurity and the fear of others’ judgment will lead Caterina to reveal unexpected and surprising sides of her identity. By turning apparent failure into a precious opportunity for growth, she will discover that trusting herself and expressing herself freely can spark small and great changes, even on a collective level.