Pop singer Lê Việt Anh. Photo thethaovanhoa.vn

Pop singer Lê Việt Anh will perform the leading role in the musical Sóng (Waves) produced by the Việt Nam Youth Theatre. It tells the love story between the late couple Xuân Quỳnh and Lưu Quang Vũ who were Vietnamese renowned poets. Thể Thao Văn Hóa (Sports and Culture) daily reporter Tiểu Phong speaks with Việt Anh about the musical.

What attracted you to this role?

I was attracted by the script. I knew the production crew wanted to make a musical about the love story of Xuân Quỳnh and Lưu Quang Vũ and I decided to audition for the part of Lưu Quang Vũ. 

I wanted a role in the musical because I aspire and wish to work in a new environment which challenges me. 

I wanted the chance to be trained as a professional musical performer. I found it difficult and hard working for the actors, it is quite different from the type of singing I am used to. 

It is interesting to be guided by the director. I have specific goals so I try my best in performing. I must listen to opinions from the crew to improve my performance. 

What do you like most about your role?

Waves is inspired by a real story. The character and I are very different but we do have some common points. So the character combines Vũ and me. 

The role gives me different feelings, interests, honour and also pressure. I'm afraid that people who know the poet will expect to see a real Vũ on the stage. My character has to show off the poet's talent and his soul as well. He was the beloved and respected poet. 

Could you tell about the musical score in Waves?

The music is composed by veteran musicians. There are 20 songs which are adapted from the poems by the two poets.  

I sing solo two songs entitled Mắt Của Trời Xanh (Eyes of Blue Sky) and Nhà Chật (Tiny House). The first is about the first time they met and their love at first sight. The second is about their married life. 

I'm sure that there will be hits after the musical performing. 

What difficulties have you encountered?

I sing romantic songs so it is difficult for me to act and dance. Luckily, I learned acting at another musical project by the Youth Theatre last year. 

I must thank artist Sĩ Tiến, the theatre's deputy-director. He inspires and encourages me in acting. 

I'm still an untutored actor but I think that my acting is natural. The actor's emotion is the most important skill. 

A musical performer needs to combine three skills of singing, dancing and acting. It is very hard but it makes me feel excited. 

What do you expect from the musical?

I hope that the musical will be sold-out because it is special. It is the first musical about the two popular poets. 

The young performers are also important factors to make the musical a high-end show. The musical will convey the message that they were young people who dared to live, love and have dreams during a difficult time. 

The musical features the two loves of the female lead helping the audience to understand how poet Xuân Quỳnh makes her decision. 

Love is everywhere and indispensable. Love is a catalyst to create art whether people are happy or sad in their love.

What are your plans for the future?

My last music product was released in 2020. I'm planning to produce a live show next. I'm thinking about singing extracts from the musical or I will make the show as a musical. 

Waves took up a lot of my time but it also gave me ideas. I hope that life returns to normal after the pandemic so that artists can perform on stage speaking directly to the audience. - VNS