An absurdist play to be performed in HCM City this weekend

August 11, 2023 - 06:40
They Order and Roll on the Sand, the Waves and the Rolling Glass features a series of repeated dialogues with different frequencies of three genders – female, male and an unknown identity

HMC CITY — Hồ Chí Minh City’s theatre scene is set to welcome absurdist play They Order and Roll on the Sand, the Waves and the Rolling Glass from today, at the Nam Đông film studio.

"They Order and Roll on the Sand, the Waves and the Rolling Grass" urges artists to embrace unconfined spaces. — Photo of TheaFter's Facebook

Inspired by Nguyễn Du’s Tale of Kiều and Brian E Turner’s Furtive Love, the play features a series of repeated dialogues with different frequencies of three genders – female, male and an unknown identity.

Through the rules coded by director Chinh Ba, the play delves into the ambiguous territories of identity and absurdity through the seemingly meaningless conversations and relationships among lust, gender identity, love and power and violence. The conversations chase each other in absurdity, echoing in repetitive patterns like the sound of waves that eventually erase their traces.

The play's spatial design crafted by Chinh Ba promises to get the audience immersed in the play while offering freedom of interaction. The unconventional open location at Nam Đông film studio, according to Chinh Ba, will amplify the unique experience of the viewers by allowing attendees to choose their perspectives and the time to interact with the actors and actresses.

The director is also confident that the play’s introduction would add a touch of absurdity to Hồ Chí Minh City’s theatre scene. Blending theatrical, visual, and performance styles, They Order and Roll on the Sand, the Waves and the Rolling Grass will serve as a wellspring of inspiration for artistic and literary enthusiasts alike.

Initiated by CAB HOIAN, They Order and Roll on the Sand, the Waves and the Rolling Grass urges artists to embrace unconfined spaces, combat tourist-driven art commercialization, and adapt to evolving artistic landscapes.

Following its captivating Hội An premiere, this thought-provoking play embarks on TheaFter Tour 2023, presented by CAB HOIAN and HAT ARTS. Hồ Chí Minh City’s Nam Đông Film Studio will host the play's only show today. — VNS

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