On November 11, in Hanoi, the Vietnam Stage Artists Association held a press conference introducing the 6th International Experimental Theatre Festival 2025, a large-scale arts event bringing together nearly 1,000 artists from Vietnam and abroad.

The festival is organized by the Vietnam Stage Artists Association in coordination with the People's Committee of Ninh Binh Province and will take place from November 15 to 30, 2025, across Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hai Phong.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Nguyen Dang Chuong - playwright and Standing Vice President of the Vietnam Stage Artists Association - stated that this year's edition has the largest number of participating troupes and plays in the festival’s history, featuring nearly 30 professional stage companies from both Vietnam and abroad.

A total of 29 representative experimental productions will be showcased, including 10 international pieces from nine overseas troupes from the Philippines, Poland, China, South Korea, Israel, Japan, Mongolia, and Uzbekistan.

“As with all experiments, there can be success or failure. But this is a necessary step in discovering new creative paths for the stage,” Nguyen Dang Chuong emphasized.

The participating works are elaborately produced, representing efforts to innovate both content and technique. The festival includes experiments in various genres such as spoken drama, mime, physical theatre, musical theatre, cheo, tuong, circus, cai luong, puppetry, and new, unnamed theatrical forms.

Beyond being an artistic playground, the festival also serves as a cultural exchange between Vietnam and the global stage, aiming to foster creativity and innovative thinking in the performing arts while implementing the Party’s resolutions on the development of culture and arts in the new era.

To enable broader participation, especially from socialized (non-state-funded) art troupes, the organizers have expanded performance venues across four major cities. The festival will also feature three academic symposiums, three special programs for the opening, closing, and public shows, aimed at engaging wider audiences.

Representing a host locality, Nguyen Manh Cuong - Deputy Director of the Department of Culture and Sports of Ninh Binh Province - affirmed that the event is an excellent opportunity to promote the image, culture, and people of Ninh Binh to international friends.

A standout highlight of the festival will be the street parade taking place in the Hoa Lu ancient quarter in Ninh Binh, combining traditional and contemporary elements to create a vibrant, colorful celebration of the arts.

During their stay, participating artists will also have the chance to explore heritage sites and cultural landmarks in the ancient capital region.

Tinh Le