Ho Chi Minh City Drama Theatre Reopens After Seven-Year Hiatus with Lunar New Year Production

The Ho Chi Minh City Drama Theatre has officially reopened its doors for the Lunar New Year season after a seven-year hiatus, marking a significant moment for the city’s performing arts scene. The reopening performance, “Ra Giêng Anh Cưới Em 2” (I’ll Marry You in the New Year 2), premiered on February 17th, coinciding with the first evening of the Lunar New Year, also known as Tết.

A Warm Welcome Back

Actors of the Ho Chi Minh City Drama Theatre expressed their delight at the warm reception from theatre department heads and former directors during the opening performance. The theatre, the city’s only public theatre company, is hoping for a successful season. Vietnam.vn reports that former staff members, including Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuy, Tran Ngoc Giau and Le Dien, attended the premiere.

Overcoming Challenges and Seeking Support

The theatre faced a temporary suspension of performances at the Cong Nhon Theater (30 Tran Hung Dao Street) due to a fire accident. Despite reopening, the theatre currently relies on rented equipment. Artistic advisor Tran Ngoc Giau expressed hope for government support to improve the stage and facilities, ensuring a stable performance venue and enhanced audience experience. Vietnam.vn

“Ra Giêng Anh Cưới Em 2”: A Story of Love and Resilience

The play “Ra Giêng Anh Cưới Em 2” is a revival of a operate by writer Nguyen Cong Hoan, adapted from his novel ‘Man and Horse, Horse and Man’. This production marks cải lương artist Vũ Luân’s first time performing in a Tết play, taking on the role of Tèo, a man in love with Út Mót. Vietnam.vn

The story follows Tèo’s journey after Út Mót’s marriage, leading him to the city to pursue a singing career under the name Luân Vũ. After Út Mót’s husband passes away, Tèo returns home with the intention of rekindling their romance. The play incorporates excerpts from the Cai Luong (Vietnamese traditional opera) play An Loc Son, showcasing Vũ Luân’s vocal talents.

A Timeless Tale of the Underprivileged

“Ra Giêng Anh Cưới Em 2” depicts the hardships faced by the impoverished on New Year’s Eve. The narrative centers on a rickshaw puller hoping to earn money for his family, and his encounter with a prostitute. The play explores themes of poverty, injustice, and the enduring human spirit, aiming to evoke both laughter and tears. Do Thuy, who directs the production, also plays the role of a flower girl, alongside Quoc Tinh as the rickshaw puller.

Do Thuy has infused the production with “warm humanity,” emphasizing the importance of compassion and sharing, even in times of hardship. The cast includes Do Thuy, Quoc Tinh, Thanh Tuan, Doan Thanh Phuong, and Hong Pham.

Extended Lunar New Year Theatre Season

This year, the Lunar New Year theatre season in Ho Chi Minh City is particularly vibrant, with nearly 30 new plays produced. The performance schedule has been extended to 13 days, from January 1st to January 13th, with some theatres, including the Youth World Stage and the 5B Drama Theater, offering three shows a day. Vietnam.vn