Theatregoers attend a performance at the Việt Nam Youth Theatre. This October, free plays will be staged around the city during the Hà Nội Open Theatre Festival 2026. Photo courtesy of Việt Nam Youth Theatre

HÀ NỘI — Theatregoers will be able to enjoy free theatrical performances during the Hà Nội Open Theatre Festival 2026, which will take place across the capital from October 14-23.

This biennial cultural and artistic festival is organised by the Hà Nội Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism in collaboration with the Việt Nam Stage Artists Association under the supervision of the Hà Nội People's Committee.

First held in 2014, the festival now is its sixth edition. It was upgraded to a national event in 2024, opening the participation to theatre troupes from across the country. 

The event offers artists, actors, and musicians an invaluable platform to exchange ideas, hone their skills, showcase their talents, and collaborate on high-quality performances to the public.

Lê Thị Mai Ánh, deputy director of the Hà Nội Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said the festival showcase high-quality theatrical productions and helps bring theatre closer to audiences.

"For Hà Nội, developing culture and art means preserving and promoting traditional values. At the same time, it helps enrich people's spiritual life, foster creativity, and shape Hà Nội's image as a modern and civilised city of rich culture and identity," said Ánh, who is also head of the festival's organising board.

"In this process, the performing arts play a vital role, as they possess a unique ability to move audiences, convey humanistic values, and connect people through the power of art.” 

Themed 'Converging theatrical values ​​and spreading the capital's artistic creativity', the festival features 15 troupes presenting 15 works across a range of theatrical genres. These are spoken drama, chèo (traditional opera), tuồng (classical opera), cải lương (reformed opera), circus, and Nghệ Tĩnh folk singing.

Nguyễn Đăng Chương, vice chairman of the Việt Nam Stage Artists Association, and Lê Thị Mai Ánh, deputy director of the Hà Nội Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, at the press conference. Photo courtesy of organisers

According to Dr Nguyễn Đăng Chương, Vice Chairman of the Việt Nam Stage Artists Association, participating troupes were encouraged to submit productions covering a wide range of subjects that reflect different aspects of life and showcase the beauty of Việt Nam’s land and people. They also explore Việt Nam's history, culture, landmarks, and people.

These works also highlight humanistic values and the beauty and appeal of theatre. At the same time, they showcase creativity in artistic methods and modes of expression, reflecting the diverse landscape and vitality of contemporary Vietnamese theatre.

"Each theatrical genre has its distinct characteristics. Through this festival, troupes can learn from one another and adopt elements of different genres to enrich their own artistic styles," said Chương.

"Furthermore, artists have the opportunity to exchange ideas and know more about Hà Nội's theatre scene. As every region has its own cultural preferences, the challenge lies in how the capital's theatre scene can reach diverse audiences and create works that serve both local and national viewers. This is precisely the goal the festival strives to achieve."

Meritorious Artist Nguyễn Sĩ Tiến, director of Việt Nam Youth Theatre, which is presenting the play Cô Gái Đội Mũ Nồi Xám (The Girl with a Grey Beret), said: “This year, the festival aims to find new and meaningful works which can contribute to theatrical activities in general."

"Our theatre has thoroughly prepared The Girl with a Grey Beret by playwright Lưu Quang Vũ. We will tell the audience an old story in a new way, giving our directors and artists the freedomg to show their creativity, drawing on their performing technique and skills to give the production a distinctive character while bringing to life the profound human values conveyed by the playwright," Tiến added.

The festival opens on October 14 with Ai Là Cha Tôi (Who Is My Father) performed by the Hà Nội Drama Theatre at the Công Nhân Theatre, No 42 Tràng Tiền Street, Hoàn Kiếm Ward. — VNS