VietNamNet Bridge – IDECAF Stage and Hong Hac Stage, two of HCM City’s leading private drama troupes, are preparing to stage new plays aimed at young audiences this summer.

IDECAF Stage and Hong Hac Stage, two of HCM City’s leading private drama troupes, are preparing to stage new plays aimed at young audiences this summer. — Photo kichidecaf.com

IDECAF’s play, Bao Tang Quai Vat (Museum of Monsters), features the natural world, the jungle and rare animals such as dinosaurs.

The work tells the stories about childhood and friendship. It also brings messages to encourage people, particularly youngsters, to work together to protect the environment and natural resources.  

“Our stage will include light and sound effects to dazzle young audiences. Actors will show off their talent in music, dance, pantomime and circus tricks,” said Dinh Toan, the play’s director, who also plays the role of a mammoth.  

“Costume designers and theatre specialists will add a realistic element to the play through beautiful clothes, accessories and interior design suited to the play’s theme,” he added.

Toan and his staff, including veteran actors Thanh Loc, Hua Chau and Bach Long, have worked to create a new style on stage by adding attractive features.

"I love performing for children. I want to help them enjoy and discover the life, love and themselves through theatre," said Toan, who has more than 15 years working in the art.

Bao Tang Quai Vat is part of Ngay Xua Ngay Xua (Once Upon a Time), a theatre programme created for children which IDECAF began in 2000.

The programme’s artists have offered 29 plays within more than 500 shows for several thousand children and teenagers, including disadvantaged children at open houses and shelters who receive tickets for free.  

Bao Tang Quai Vat will be staged at 28 Le Thanh Ton Street, District 1, at 8pm every weekend from May 20 until July.

Hong Hac Stage, meanwhile, will offer the play Thien Than Nho Cua Toi (My Little Angels), which is based from a popular long story written by Nguyen Nhat Anh.

The play features a 10-year-old boy called Kha and his younger closet friend, Hoa, both discover the life together.

“This is the first time we have performed a play for children. Through our play, we want to provide young audiences with new concepts and techniques in drama,” said the play’s female director Lan Phuong.

Phuong has worked with veteran film director Viet Linh, owner of the Hong Hac Stage, to offers experimental shows.

Thien Than Nho Cua Toi will be staged every Saturday and Sunday from May 1 through August at the Experimental Stage, 155Bis Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, District 3.

VNS