Danish Festival Announces 2011 Theme: “The Emperor’s Nightingale”
Hans Christian Andersen classic brought to life at 47th annual event.
Greenville, MI February 10, 2011 –Danish Festival, Inc is pleased to announce the 2011 festival theme: “The Emperor’s Nightingale.” The class Hans Christian Andersen tale focuses on friendship, loyalty, freedom, and the special beauty found only in nature.
The Emperor of China learns that one of the most beautiful things in his empire is the song of the nightingale. When he orders a nightingale brought to him, a kitchen maid leads the court to a nearby forest where the bird is found. The nightingale agrees to appear at court. The Emperor is so delighted with the bird’s song that he keeps the nightingale in captivity. When the Emperor is given a bejeweled mechanical bird he loses interest in the real nightingale, who returns to the forest.
The mechanical bird breaks down due to overuse. The Emperor is taken deathly ill shortly thereafter. The real nightingale learns of the Emperor’s condition and returns to the palace. Death is so moved by the nightingale’s song that he departs and the emperor recovers. The nightingale agrees to sing to the emperor of all the happenings in the empire, that he will be known as the wisest emperor ever to live.
Selecting a theme is an annual tradition for the Danish Festival. The chosen theme is woven into every aspect of the Festival – including a theatrical performance of the tale, the parade and pageants.
“The theme of the Danish Festival truly sets the tone for the year. It provides energy and excitement to everyone involved with the planning and preparation of the Festival. ‘The Emperor’s Nightingale’ will be a fascinating theme to work with – it is an amazing story of faithfulness and reminds us that you can’t replace the truth with an imitation, however good it may seem. It’s a message that was relevant so many years ago and remains so even today”, said Executive Director Pamela Jorae.
Choosing “The Emperor’s Nightingale” continues the tradition of selecting a classic story written by Hans Christian Anderson, a Danish author.
Danish Festival Inc. is committed to hosting an annual event that celebrates the homecoming of family and friends as well as the area’s Danish heritage. The dates of the 2011 Festival are August 18, 19, 20 and 21. For more information, please visit danishfestival.org.
