POPULAR PLAY - The private theatre IDECAF’s artists in the new musical Huyền Thoại Mắt Thần (The Legend of Magic Eyes). More than 10,000 tickets have been sold online for the show on April 30. Photo courtesy of IDECAF.

HCM CITY — More than 10,000 tickets for a musical for children by talented artists from the IDECAF (Institute of Cultural Exchange with France) were sold on Ticketbox in 15 minutes. 

The work, Huyền Thoại Mắt Thần (The Legend of Magic Eyes), will debut on April 30 to mark the 49th anniversary of South Việt Nam's Liberation and Reunification Day. 

It is based on Middle Eastern folk tales, sending messages on bravery, honesty and friendship. 

Many beautiful outfits, accessories and stage designs will be used in the play. 

Meritorious Artist Mỹ Duyên and Thanh Thuỷ, and veteran artists Đại Nghĩa and Quang Thảo will perform the lead characters. 

Traditional theatre actor Bạch Long, a cải lương (reformed opera) star, will also perform a part in the musical. 

Long will combine drama, music and cải lương, a 100-year-old traditional form of Vietnamese theatre in the South, through his art.

FOR THE KIDS - A new musical for children called Huyền Thoại Mắt Thần (The Legend of Magic Eyes) will be staged by talented actors of IDECAF (Institute of Cultural Exchange with France), one of HCM City’s leading private theatres. Photo courtesy of IDECAF.

“We spent VNĐ1 billion (US$40,000) on the production. We hope our show will encourage children to use their imaginations to create different worlds and characters,” said the play’s director Đình Toàn. 

Toàn’s play is part of a long-term theatre programme called Ngày Xửa Ngày Xưa (Once Upon a Time) launched by leading private theatre IDECAF in 2000.  

It provides young audiences with new concepts and techniques in drama. Its artists have worked hard to foster a love of theatre among the youth. 

“Our artists are working hard to offer the new Huyền Thoại Mắt Thần on weekends this summer to meet the demand of young audiences,” said Huỳnh Anh Tuấn, owner and manager of the IDECAF.

The musical, Huyền Thoại Mắt Thần, is scheduled to be staged every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in May and June, at the Bến Thành Theatre on 6D Mạc Đĩnh Chi Street, District 1. Tickets are available at the theatre and at Ticketbox. – VNS