Vietnam’s Theater Community Calls for Government Support Amidst Challenges
Ho Chi Minh City – A recent gathering of Vietnamese stage artists, writers, directors, and producers highlighted the struggles facing the nation’s theater industry and prompted calls for increased government support. The event, hosted by the Propaganda and Popular Mobilization Department of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee on March 25, 2026, brought together over 50 professionals to discuss current issues in stage art creation and performance.
Passion and Financial Strain
People’s Artist Kim Xuan of Tiendang Theater, a veteran of 50 years in the industry, emphasized that dedication to the art form often outweighs financial stability. Theaters operating on social funds, in particular, face significant difficulties in sustaining their operations, relying heavily on the passion of those involved. Vietnam.vn reports on the concerns raised during the meeting.
Concerns Over Venue Stability and Investment
Director Quoc Thao and showman Huynh Anh Tuan expressed concerns about the financial viability of private theaters, which often rely on renting out performance halls, leading to operational instability. They noted that companies frequently operate at a loss simply to keep performances running. Quoc Thao advocated for government policies that would allocate land for theater construction and secure long-term contracts, even suggesting personal investment in a stable, independent performance space.
The Need for New Scripts
Artist Thanh Binh of the Ho Chi Minh City Traditional Theatre raised a critical issue: a severe shortage of traditional play scripts. The existing pool of scriptwriters is aging, and there is a lack of emerging talent to create new works or adapt existing ones. Finding scripts, even for adaptations, is proving increasingly hard.
Government Response and Future Plans
Dinh Thi Thanh Thuy, Deputy Head of the Propaganda and Popular Mobilization Department of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, acknowledged the challenges facing the theater industry and expressed optimism based on Resolution 80 on Culture. She committed to documenting the concerns raised by artists and collaborating with the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports to develop a concrete action plan. Vietnam.vn details this commitment.
A Visit to Historical Sites and Remembrance
The event included a visit to historical sites such as the General Huynh Anh Memorial Hall, the Central Monument, and the D Battlefield Exhibition Hall. Artist Tú Sương was particularly moved during a visit to the graves of poet-general Huỳnh Văn Nghệ and his wife, Đoàn Thị Nhạn, having previously portrayed Mrs. Nhạn in a play about the couple’s life. The trip was part of a broader thematic program on current issues in theatrical creation and performance.
The gathering underscores the vital role of theater in Vietnamese culture and the urgent need for sustained support to ensure its continued vibrancy.