Hanoi - endless source of inspiration for the stage

Theaters are preparing the most typical plays to introduce to the public works about the land and people of Thang Long - Hanoi. The land of a thousand years of civilization with many ups and downs has become an important source of creative inspiration for the stage, and is also a subject that audiences always expect and look forward to new ideas and new ways of expression.

Gratitude to the children of Hanoi

People's Artist Thu Huyen - Deputy Director in charge of Hanoi Cheo Theater said: Hanoi Cheo Theater will participate in the Capital's expanded theater festival with the play "Nguoi hat a dao". At the end of August 2024, the play written by author Bui Vu Minh and directed by People's Artist Hoai Thu was introduced to the capital's audience and will have a number of performances on the occasion.70th anniversary of Capital Liberation Dayat Dai Nam Theater.

“The Singers” praises the simple, quiet people who wholeheartedly supported the Viet Minh: the singers of Kham Thien street, the girls of Ngoc Ha flower village, the workers, artists, intellectuals... Besides choosing young, talented actors, director People's Artist Hoai Thu also meticulously polished every detail, from the art design to the music.

Hanoi Opera House is also ready with the play “Ly Thuong Kiet”, recreating the period when the famous general of the Ly Dynasty led the resistance war against the invading Song army. “He was a son of Thang Long, with many contributions to the nation. The play is our gratitude to our ancestors” - People’s Artist Hoang Quynh Mai, director of the opera “Ly Thuong Kiet” said.

It can be seen that the theme of childrenOld Hanoi Nowadays, theaters, especially traditional theaters such as tuong, cheo, and cai luong, have always paid special attention to them. Some examples include the cheo play "Bai ca vu nuoc" ("Ly Nhan Tong ke nghiep") - a classic play by author Tao Mat, the cai luong play "Luan anh hung" about Grand Tutor Tran Thu Do - the founder of the Tran Dynasty, the cai luong play "Vua thanh trieu Le" telling the story of King Le Thanh Tong clearing the name of Nguyen Trai and Nguyen Thi Lo, the cheo play "Trung trinh liet nu" telling about Princess An Tu - a daughter of the Tran Dynasty who dared to sacrifice herself to protect Thang Long, the cai luong play "Bat tu voi Thang Long" with the image of Governor Nguyen Tri Phuong committing suicide, keeping his integrity...

These plays always promote love of homeland and country, praising the noble things and indomitable will of our ancestors in the fight against foreign invaders.

People's Artist Tu Long - Deputy Director of the Army Cheo Theater shared: "Because the heroic history of the nation is deeply ingrained in each of our subconscious, when recreating historical stage works praising famous mandarins and people who devoted themselves to the people and the country, the artists who participate all feel a sense of urgency and responsibility."

Still many concerns

Historical themes can be likened to a land full of potential that needs to be explored. However, according to many theater experts, historical themes should not only "revolve" around familiar characters but should expand their scope, delve into fate, personality... It is also possible that from some small details and details in legends, the playwright connects those details together, creating stories with new messages.

With the desire that theatrical works must create a difference, an open reception and an unlimited approach, playwright Le Chi Trung frankly admitted: “Works on historical topics are still limited. We have not yet opened the way for creativity, for many different perspectives on historical topics. Because when there are works that express a new perspective on history, people begin to be afraid, often thinking about safety. People are afraid of new perspectives, the assessments of contemporaries on historical issues and figures.”

While historical themes are numerous, modern themes have become a topic of discussion and concern in many festivals and stage performances in the capital due to their absence. People's Artist Trung Hieu - Director of the Hanoi Drama Theater once commented: "Every year, in addition to historical themes, the theater always looks for new and modern themes to stage. Although many scripts are sent or ordered separately from units and individuals, the repertoire is always not of good quality. The works often have problems with some points such as insufficient content, unclear messages, inconsistent situation and character development... Therefore, many times I have had to encourage the theater's artists to come up with ideas, write and edit scripts together to stage." Through that, it partly shows that the team of successor playwrights is sparse, lacking professional authors who have the courage to boldly answer the concerns of the times, set examples, and predict risks...

People's Artist Hoang Quynh Mai - Deputy Director of the Vietnam Opera House believes that modern themes about Hanoi are not difficult, on the contrary, themes about Hanoi are very rich, but creating stage works about Hanoi always requires sophistication. "I think that the important thing is to find the right story, not only history can tell about Hanoi. I have succeeded inCapital Theater FestivalThe first time with the modern script “Hanoi Monsoon”, adapted by Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Thi Minh Thai from the short story “Monsoon Tropical” by writer Le Minh Khue. Let’s start with the source material in literature, because Hanoi is always an endless source of inspiration for literature”./.