SOURCE MATERIAL - Artists perform in Trả Lại Lia Thia (Returning Home), a 90-minute drama play based on a short story by famous female author Nguyễn Ngọc Tư, winner of the Southeast Asian Writers Award from the Thai Royal Family in 2008 and the Literaturpeis Prize 2018 from the Frankfurt Book Festival. Photo courtesy of the producer.

HCM CITY— Artists from the HCM City-based private drama troupe Hoàng Thái Thanh are working on a new play about social issues based on a short story by famous female author Nguyễn Ngọc Tư. 

The play, Trả Lại Lia Thia (Returning Home), is a production that uses literary elements written by Tư, winner of the Southeast Asian Writers Award from the Thai Royal Family in 2008 and the Literaturpeis Prize 2018 from the Frankfurt Book Festival. 

The 90-minute show depicts realistic images of southern farmers who are now working and facing challenges in a modern market economy. 

Southern culture and lifestyle are also highlighted. 

“Our show, Trả Lại Lia Thia, is a story of southern farmers who have different difficulties and opportunities to be free to work, talk, share and love together for a better life here,” said the play’s producer Ái Như in her interview with local media. “Our artists will offer drama in the style of the South. They will bring a lively taste of Vietnamese drama to audiences.” 

Như invited young talents Kỳ Thảo and Ma Ran Đô to perform as lead characters. Meritorious Artist Thành Hội, Trí Quang and Kim Huyền are also featured. 

“Writer Tư’s works highlight the lives of farmers in the Cửu Long (Mekong) Delta River region. I asked my actors to learn about Southern history and culture. This helped to breathe life into the play,” said theatre producer-actress Như, owner of Hoàng Thái Thanh Drama Troupe. 

RURAL CULTURE - Talented artists of the HCM City-based private drama troupe Hoàng Thái Thanh are working on a new play about social issues called Trả Lại Lia Thia (Returning Home) by female producer Ái Như. Photo courtesy of the producer.

Begun in 2010, Hoàng Thái Thanh Drama Troupe features 20 professional artists. The theatre offers shows staged especially for young people. Its performances have attracted more than 13,000 spectators. 

The play Trả Lại Lia Thia is staged to celebrate the 78th anniversary of National Day (September 2, 1945-2023). 

Its first show will start at 8pm on September 2 at 139 Bắc Hải Street, District 10. It is scheduled to be staged on Saturday and Sunday in September and October. — VNS