A cautionary tale from the play "Drowning in the Whirlpool"

The play offers viewers moments of quiet reflection on the stark reality of greed and power, while simultaneously evoking profound emotion at the yearning for goodness – a flame that still smolders within people amidst the storms of modern life.

From the vortex of power to the tragedy of conscience

Borrowing from the story of the fight against corruption,"Drowning in the vortex"It unfolds a multi-layered picture – where people are swept up in the temptations of materialism and power, ultimately losing themselves.

At the heart of this vortex is Liem – the city chairman, played by Meritorious Artist Ta Duong. Once an exemplary leader respected by his subordinates, Liem gradually slides down the wrong path due to the temptations of power and the manipulation of businesses, aiding and abetting illegal projects, leaving severe consequences for society and himself.

Opposite Liem is Hai – a cunning and calculating businessman, impressively portrayed by Meritorious Artist Duc Lam. Duc Lam depicts Hai as a "fox" of the market economy – someone who understands people's hearts and knows how to exploit their weaknesses to achieve his goals. Under his hand, those who seem strong and capable are gradually drawn into his trap, becoming puppets in the game of power and money.

One of the most pitiable "pawns" is Thảo Vy – the beautiful runner-up, portrayed hauntingly by Meritorious Artist Thiên Huế. She is turned into a tool in Hải's scheme, and when she realizes she is merely a bargaining chip in the game of power and money, Thảo Vy chooses death as a way to preserve her last shred of dignity. The scene of her suicide – in the cold white light, amidst mournful folk music – leaves the audience speechless.

Amidst the darkness, Colonel Minh – played by Meritorious Artist Thanh Vinh – emerges as a symbol of justice. Minh represents not only the law but also righteousness and honesty. Even though the perpetrator is a relative, he remains determined to solve the case.

Meanwhile, Thuy – Hai's wife (played by Meritorious Artist Minh Thanh) – appears in a different tragedy. This woman, who once believed her husband was a successful man, has to witness all the depravity and moral decay of her husband that has shattered their entire family.

The mark of staging and artistic creativity.

Under the direction of People's Artist Hoai Hue,"Drowning in the vortex"It is a meticulously staged theatrical work with profound intellectual depth.

Script: Dr. Nguyen Dang Chuong, People's Artist An Ninh adapted folk songs, and musician Quoc Chung served as artistic director. This creative team has created a harmonious whole between the language of spoken drama and the folk melodies of Nghe An province.

While the dialogue is sharp and argumentative, the folk melodies soften the heavy ideological burdens, allowing emotions to permeate every corner of the audience's soul. Each folk song resonates like a self-narrative, a voice of conscience.

In particular, the creative stage design elevated the performance beyond traditional boundaries. The director used a dance group in black and white costumes, symbolizing the duality of good and evil, representing the cycle of temptation and regret. The image of the white ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress) hanging suspended in the scene where Thao Vy ends her own life became a powerful visual highlight, symbolizing the loss of beauty and virtue.

"I want the audience to see in'Drowning in the vortex'"It's not just a story about fighting corruption, but a voice about human conscience. Anyone can fall into that vortex if they're not alert enough to protect themselves," shared People's Artist Hoai Hue.

It's not just a performance,"Drowning in the vortex"It is a wake-up call through art..It touches the deepest recesses of the viewer's soul – where good and evil are still locked in a daily struggle.

The play's message aligns with the resolute spirit of the Party and State in the fight against corruption and negative practices – a relentless battle with a clear motto: "No forbidden zones, no exceptions."

But beyond the political message,"Drowning in the vortex"It also conveys faith in humanity. In the darkness of sin, a glimmer of conscience still shines. Although Liem, Hai, and Thao Vy all bear the guilt, they still have moments of self-reflection and tears of remorse. And it is this that makes the audience not only angry but also sympathetic – and reflective about themselves.

"Drowning in the vortex"The story ends, but its impact lingers with the audience for a long time. Because the whirlwind that the director depicts on stage is not just about the characters, but also reflects the realities of everyday life today.

In modern life, money, power, and love are three things that can both lift people up and drag them down into the abyss. Money gives us opportunities, power gives us status, and love gives us emotions – but when these three things merge in greed, they become an invisible vortex that sweeps away character.

The play seems to convey the message that no one is born bad; it's just that some people lack the willpower to resist temptation. And in that battle, conscience is the ultimate anchor that helps people retain their humanity.

"Drowning in the vortex"It's not just the story of a city mayor or a fallen businessman – it's the story of every person in our time.,Amidst countless choices: right and wrong, gain and loss, self-preservation or loss.

The performance ended, and the audience remained silent, lost in thought. In the fading light, the message from the artists of Nghe An province still seemed to resonate:"The most terrible prison is not the bars, but the imprisonment of one's own conscience."

A simple yet profound message – that amidst the whirlwind of money, power, and desire, people can only find peace by preserving the goodness in their hearts. And it is this belief in justice and righteousness that serves as a light, preventing us from getting lost in the whirlwind of life.