The International Experimental Theatre Festival is more than just an artistic event - it is a bridge connecting generations of artists in their shared pursuit of innovation, reinvention, and new directions for contemporary theatre in Vietnam and beyond.

From November 20 to 30, 2025, the 6th International Experimental Theatre Festival will take place in Ninh Binh. Organized by the Vietnam Stage Artists Association, the festival builds on the success of its five previous editions, helping to advance Vietnam’s professional theatre scene while strengthening its sustainable integration with global performing arts. Below is an article contributed by director Le Quy Duong, Chairman of the Festival and International Cooperation Committee under the International Theatre Institute.

A unified understanding of experimental theatre

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In Vietnam, the concepts of “experimental” and “experiential” theatre are often confused.

Experimental theatre originated in the West in the late 19th century, born from a rejection of traditional principles and a thirst for breakthroughs in theatrical language, actor movement, and stage space. Throughout the 20th century and into the 21st, international experimental theatre has achieved notable success in exploring performance techniques, visual design, sound, lighting, and, notably, in reshaping the dynamic between stage and audience.

With the support of modern technology, today’s experimental theatre offers audiences rich, multi-dimensional experiences. Gone are the constraints of the traditional “fourth wall” - replaced by vibrant, interactive, and unconventional performances.

In Vietnam, the distinction between "experimental" and "experiential" theatre is frequently misunderstood. “Experimental” focuses on creating something entirely new and unprecedented, whereas “experiential” leans toward personal interpretation within a structured framework. While subtle, this difference leads to two distinct creative pathways. The International Experimental Theatre Festival aims to prioritize exploration and pioneering innovation—seeking out creations that have never been seen before and that reflect global integration.

Clarifying this conceptual foundation is essential for selecting and creating works for the festival, and for helping to shape the identity of contemporary Vietnamese theatre.

The jury and selected works

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The International Experimental Theatre Festival is both an art event and a platform for generational collaboration and reinvention.

As of now, the Vietnam Stage Artists Association has received around 50 submissions - half from domestic groups and half from international participants. Given time and logistical constraints, the Organizing Committee will select only the most exemplary works, with priority given to those demonstrating clear experimental value, high artistic merit, and potential to pave the way for the future of theatre.

The judging panel is expected to consist of five members: three leading international theatre experts and two respected Vietnamese artists and scholars. A core principle of the festival is independence, transparency, and fairness: jury members must not represent any participating countries or works; each director or group may submit only one piece; and no distinction is made between public or private theatres, young or seasoned artists. The single criterion will be the experimental quality and creative impact of each piece.

These principles not only ensure the professionalism and fairness of the festival but also create an open opportunity for younger generations of artists to gain exposure and take bold steps on an international stage.

With hundreds of artists from Vietnam and abroad expected to participate, the festival will be a space of multidimensional creativity and exchange. To ensure inclusivity and fairness, all performances will be presented in bilingual Vietnamese-English format with subtitles, enabling both international and domestic audiences and professionals to fully understand and enjoy each production.

This language uniformity eliminates communication barriers and lays the foundation for long-term connections and collaborations between artists, theatre companies, and countries. It also reflects the vision of the Festival and International Cooperation Committee of the International Theatre Institute: to build a truly global, borderless theatrical community.

Director Le Quy Duong