IDECAF Stage and Hồng Hạc Stage, two of HCM City’s leading private drama troupes, are preparing to stage new plays aimed at young audiences this summer. — Photo kichidecaf.com

HCM CITY — IDECAF Stage and Hồng Hạc Stage, two of HCM City’s leading private drama troupes, are preparing to stage new plays aimed at young audiences this summer. 

IDECAF’s play, Bảo Tàng Quái Vật  (Museum of Monsters), features the natural world, the jungle and rare animals such as dinosaurs.

The work tells the stories about childhood and friendship. It also brings messages to encourage people, particularly youngsters, to work together to protect the environment and natural resources.  

“Our stage will include light and sound effects to dazzle young audiences. Actors will show off their talent in music, dance, pantomime and circus tricks,” said Đình Toàn, the play’s director, who also plays the role of a mammoth.  

“Costume designers and theatre specialists will add a realistic element to the play through beautiful clothes, accessories and interior design suited to the play’s theme,” he added.

Toàn and his staff, including veteran actors Thành Lộc, Hữa Châu and Bạch Long, have worked to create a new style on stage by adding attractive features.

"I love performing for children. I want to help them enjoy and discover the life, love and themselves through theatre," said Toàn, who has more than 15 years working in the art.

Bảo Tàng Quái Vật  is part of Ngày Xửa Ngày Xưa (Once Upon a Time), a theatre programme created for children which IDECAF began in 2000. 

The programme’s artists have offered 29 plays within more than 500 shows for several thousand children and teenagers, including disadvantaged children at open houses and shelters who receive tickets for free.  

Bảo Tàng Quái Vật will be staged at 28 Lê Thánh Tôn Street, District 1, at 8pm every weekend from May 20 until July.

Hồng Hạc Stage, meanwhile, will offer the play Thiên Thần Nhỏ Của Tôi (My Little Angels), which is based from a popular long story written by Nguyễn Nhật Ánh.

The play features a 10-year-old boy called Kha and his younger closet friend, Hoa, both discover the life together.

“This is the first time we have performed a play for children. Through our play, we want to provide young audiences with new concepts and techniques in drama,” said the play’s female director Lan Phương.

Phương has worked with veteran film director Việt Linh, owner of the Hồng Hạc Stage, to offers experimental shows.

Thiên Thần Nhỏ Của Tôi will be staged every Saturday and Sunday from May 1 through August at the Experimental Stage, 155Bis Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa Street, District 3. — VNS