The Emperor’s Nightingale

by Damon Chua

The sweet song of a Nightingale saves an Empire. This brand new adaptation set in eighteenth century China, brings to light the younger days of Emperor Qianlong, who would become one of the greatest rulers of the Middle Kingdom. It takes a magical bird to help the headstrong and aimless Prince to become a King.

$12.00

Quick Details

  • Type: Play
  • Estimated Run Time: 60 minutes
  • Availability: Available for productions worldwide
  • Cast Size: 12 roles | Doubling possible for a cast of 6

Full Details

Roles:

Originally performed by an ensemble of 6 actors

  • Prince Bao (M/10yo)]
  • Nightingale (F)
  • Panda 1
  • Panda 2
  • Emperor
  • Storyteller (Mechanical Bird)
  • Empress Consort
  • Court Servant (Mechanical Bird)
  • Prince Hongshi
  • Tiger Head
  • Minister Wu
  • Tiger Tail

The following resources are included in each performance license:
  • Permission to photocopy the PDF script for your production so there is no additional cost for these assets.

The following resources may be added to you license for an additional fee:
  • Logo/Media package

Damon Chua

Damon is an alumnus of The Public Theater Emerging Writers Group and Ma-Yi Theater’s Writers Lab in New York. His stint at The Public Theater was supported by a Time Warner Foundation grant. He is the recipient of a Dramatists Guild Fund #writechange scholarship and have received grants from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Commissions include works for Adventure Theatre MTC, Climate Change Theatre Action, Compass Needle, New York City Children’s Theater and Pan Asian Repertory Theatre.


Originally produced by Adventure Theatre (MD) in 2016

Photos of production at Adventure Theatre

Photos of production at Adventure Theatre

Photos of production at Adventure Theatre

Reviews

“

Damon Chua has taken Hans Christian Anderson’s famous tale, added some historical research, and created a fascinating, educational and highly amusing one-hour tour of 18thcentury China.

- Broadway World
“

An authentically beautiful piece of theater.

- DC Metro Theater Arts