The performance of Việt Nam Youth Theatre opened the National Drama Festival 2024 on June 11. The festival will close on June 26. — Photo courtesy of toquoc.vn

HÀ NỘI — The National Drama Festival 2024 in the northern province of Thái Nguyên opened with a show by the Việt Nam Youth Theatre.

Artists performed Bến Nước Thời Gian (The Wharfe of Time), directed by Nguyễn Sĩ Tiến, charmed the local audience at Việt Bắc Folk Music and Dance Theatre.

Adapted from Sương Nguyệt Minh's short story, the drama tells a post-war story of love, temptation and agent orange and how consequences brings misfortune to the women.

"The drama makes me emotional but above all I have sympathy for the leading roles," said patron Trần Thị Bích Hồng after the show. "Many times I can not hold back my tears while watching the leading female role. Through this role, I better understand and sympathise with the pain and loss of people in the post-war period."

The national festival has been organised by Việt Nam Theatre Artists' Association and the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Thái Nguyên Province, bringing together nearly 1,000 artists from 19 professional theatres nationwide, who will perform in 23 plays.

"The festival aims to preserve and promote traditional cultural values and honour collectives and individuals with achievements in their profession," said Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Tạ Quang Đông at the opening ceremony.

"It is also an opportunity for artists to exchange, learn from their experiences and improve professionally to enhance their performance."

During the festival, audiences will watch theatre productions by the Hà Nội Drama Theatre, LucTeam Theatre, Lệ Ngọc Theatre and a theatre troupe from the Military University of Culture and Arts, among others.

The best artists including actor, playwright, director, set designer will be honoured at the festival closing ceremony on June 26. The shows will be judged by a council chaired by People's Artist Ngọc Giàu, popular actress Trần Thị Minh Hòa, musician Trọng Đài, theatre director Lê Mạnh Hùng and playwright Chu Thơm. — VNS