Hanoi - an endless source of inspiration for the stage.

Theaters are preparing their most representative repertoires to introduce to the public works about the land and people of Thang Long - Hanoi. This land of a thousand years of civilization, with its countless ups and downs, has become an important source of creative inspiration for the stage, and also a subject that viewers always expect and look forward to new ideas and new ways of expression.

Paying tribute to the sons and daughters of Hanoi.

People's Artist Thu Huyền - Deputy Director in charge of the Hanoi Cheo Theatre, said: The Hanoi Cheo Theatre will participate in the Hanoi Open Theatre Festival with the play "The A Dao Singer". At the end of August 2024, this play, written by Bui Vu Minh and directed by People's Artist Hoai Thu, premiered to Hanoi audiences and will have several performances on the occasion.commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Liberation of Hanoi.at Dai Nam Cinema.

"The A Dao Singer" extols the simple, unassuming people who wholeheartedly supported the Viet Minh: the A Dao singers of Kham Thien Street, the girls of Ngoc Ha flower village, the workers, artists, intellectuals... Besides selecting young, talented actors, director People's Artist Hoai Thu also meticulously refined every detail, from art design to music.

The Hanoi Cai Luong Theatre is also ready with the play "Ly Thuong Kiet," recreating the period when the famous general of the Ly Dynasty led the resistance against the invading Song army. "He was a son of Thang Long, with many contributions to the nation. The play is our tribute to this ancestor," said People's Artist Hoang Quynh Mai, director of the Cai Luong play "Ly Thuong Kiet."

As can be seen, the theme is about children.Hanoi of the past Today, theaters, especially traditional theaters like Tuong, Cheo, and Cai Luong, always pay special attention to this genre. Examples include the Cheo play "The Song of Defending the Nation" ("Ly Nhan Tong's Succession") - a classic play by author Cao Mat; the Cai Luong play "A Discussion on Heroes" about Grand Tutor Tran Thu Do - the founder of the Tran Dynasty; the Cai Luong play "The Holy King of the Le Dynasty" telling the story of King Le Thanh Tong clearing the names of Nguyen Trai and Nguyen Thi Lo; the Cheo play "Loyal and Virtuous Woman" about Princess An Tu - a daughter of the Tran Dynasty who dared to sacrifice herself to protect Thang Long; and the Cai Luong play "Immortal with Thang Long" depicting Governor-General Nguyen Tri Phuong's self-sacrifice, upholding his integrity...

These plays always emphasize love for one's homeland and country, praising the noble qualities and indomitable spirit of our ancestors in the fight against foreign invaders.

People's Artist Tu Long - Deputy Director of the Army Cheo Theatre shared: "Because the glorious history of our nation is deeply ingrained in our consciousness, when we have the opportunity to revive theatrical works on historical themes, praising famous figures and people who wholeheartedly dedicated themselves to the people and the country, the artists participating all feel a sense of urgency and responsibility."

There are still many concerns.

Historical themes can be likened to fertile ground in need of exploration. However, according to many theater experts, historical themes should not be confined to overly familiar characters but should broaden their scope, delving deeper into their destinies and personalities. It's also possible for playwrights to connect small details and events from legends, creating stories with new messages.

With the desire for theatrical works to create a difference, to be received openly, and to have an unlimited approach, playwright Le Chi Trung frankly admitted: "Works on historical themes are still limited. We have not yet opened the way for creativity, for many different perspectives on historical themes. Because when works express new perspectives on history, people begin to hesitate, often thinking about safety. People are afraid of new perspectives, of contemporary assessments of historical issues and figures."

While historical themes are abundant in quantity, modern themes have become a topic of discussion and concern at many theater festivals and performances in the capital due to their scarcity. People's Artist Trung Hieu, Director of the Hanoi Drama Theater, once stated: "Every year, besides historical themes, the theater always seeks new, modern themes to stage. Although many scripts are submitted or commissioned from various organizations and individuals, the repertoire consistently falls short of quality. Works often suffer from issues such as insufficient depth of content, unclear messages, inconsistent plot development, and character development... Therefore, I have repeatedly had to encourage the theater's artists to brainstorm, write, and revise scripts together for staging." This partly reflects the scarcity of a new generation of playwrights, lacking professional authors with the courage and boldness to address contemporary concerns, highlight exemplary figures, and predict future dangers...

People's Artist Hoang Quynh Mai - Deputy Director of the Vietnam Cai Luong Theatre - believes that modern themes about Hanoi are not difficult; on the contrary, the themes about Hanoi are very rich, but creating theatrical works about Hanoi always requires subtlety. "I think the important thing is to find a suitable story; history isn't the only thing that can tell the story of Hanoi. I have been successful in..."Hanoi Theatre FestivalThe first time, with the modern script "Hanoi Monsoon," adapted by Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Minh Thai from the short story "Tropical Monsoon" by writer Le Minh Khue. Let's begin with source material in literature, because Hanoi has always been an endless source of inspiration for literature.