Ratmansky’s 'The Naked King' debuts at New York City Ballet on Feb. 5

Alexei Ratmansky’s one-act ballet 'The Naked King,' inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s 'The Emperor’s New Clothes,' premieres at New York City Ballet on Feb. 5, the company said. New York City Ballet rarely stages new narrative works; the last was Justin Peck’s 2016 'The Most Incredible Thing.' Ratmansky’s piece pushes Andersen’s satire into farce, populated by conspiring tailors, sniveling advisers and a haughty queen, with a cartoonish king who stomps about, is carried around and is applauded at his utterances.

Ratmansky, City Ballet’s artist in residence, said the idea came to him during a 'No Kings' protest, in which people expressed disapproval at what they see as anti-democratic policies by President Trump. He said the full-scale 2022 invasion of Ukraine, where he grew up and where his family still lives, has also led him to address current events in his work.

Asked about the ballet’s message, Ratmansky said, 'The message is that we don’t need kings.' He noted the score, by Jean Françaix, was composed for a 1936 'Emperor’s New Clothes' ballet and that the music limited a more dramatic approach. The role of the king is danced by two retired company members, Craig Salstein and Andrew Veyette, chosen because they look older and would not be given virtuoso steps, though Ratmansky said he still gave the king a solo.

The ballet opens Feb.

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