HCM CITY – The 5B Võ Văn Tần Theatre will stage a new experimental play Giấc Mơ (Dream) at the Opera House on October 26.

The play is a combination of drama, tuồng (classic drama), contemporary dance and traditional music.

Meritorious Artist Mỹ Uyên, the theatre’s director, said: “We want to invest VNĐ200 million (US$9,000) in staging the play and serve audiences who still care about drama.”

Giấc Mơ is a screenplay by poet Nguyễn Đình Thi, which focuses on love, hope and desire for a peaceful life.

The play features a soldier who denies following Death after he dies because he thinks that he has not done anything for the country. But his love for his country and desire for devotion convinces Death.

Along with the theatre’s young actors, the work stars Trung Dũng who plays the solider and Bạch Long who plays Death.

“The play is a challenge for me and young performers, but I believe that our passion can touch audiences’ hearts,” said Dũng.

The play’s director, Thái Kim Tùng, who graduated in acting and directing from the HCM City University of Theatre and Cinematography in 2012 and 2016, said: “I have been obsessed with Giấc Mơ for two years.”

“I have tried to find a way to stage the play and make it close to young audiences,” said Tùng, who has played numerous roles and directed many plays for the city’s famous theatres, including 5B Theatre and Hoàng Thái Thanh.

As for experimentation, Tùng decided to use a round stage without props, and visual effects to change scenes. He will use traditional Vietnamese music and costumes to highlight national culture.

Tùng invited musician Nguyễn Nhật Minh and designer Sĩ Hoàng to join the project.

“I hope it will get the attention of young people. We want to send messages about love for country and life,” Uyên said.

She said after the premiere in HCM City, the play will be presented at the International Experimental Theatre in Hà Nội next month, which includes 20 plays from famous theatres around the world.

Giấc Mơ will begin at 8 pm at the Opera House at 7 Lam Sơn Square in District 1. Tickets are available at www.ticketbox.vn. – VNS