HCM CITY— IDECAF Stage, one of HCM City’s leading private drama troupes, is preparing to stage a new play aimed at young audiences this summer vacation. 

The play, Hoàng Tử- Công Chúa và 9 Vị Thần … Bị Bắt (Princes- Princesses and 9 Gods … Were Attacked), features five sons and daughters of God of the Sun and God of the Moon who face challenges to protect  the jungle, animals and people from the Dark.  

The work, which is about bravery, self-respect, honesty and friendship, also contains messages to encourage young people to work together to fight negative things.    

IDECAF spent more than VNĐ250 million (US$12,000) on the production.

“Our actors will show off their talent in music, dance, pantomime and circus tricks,” said Vũ Minh, the play’s director, a young talent in theatre.

Minh has worked with costume designers and theatre specialists to add realistic elements to his play through beautiful clothes, accessories and interior design suited to the work’s theme.

He has also invited composer Cao Minh Thu to write new six songs in electronics and dance music to use in the play.    

“Our stage will include light and sound effects,” Minh added. 

Minh’s staff, including veteran actors Thành Lộc, Bạch Long, Hữu Châu and Mỹ Duyên, spent several weeks to create a new style on stage by adding attractive features.

"Performing for children improves my soul and skills. I love watching my little fans enjoy and discover life and love and themselves through my art," said Meritorious Artist Lộc, who has more than 30 years of experience working in theatre.  

Hoàng Tử- Công Chúa và 9 Vị Thần … Bị Bắt 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 a total of  29 plays with more than 500 free performances for several thousand young children and teenagers, including disadvantaged children who live at open houses and shelters around the city.  

“Through our programme, we want to provide young audiences with new concepts and techniques in drama. We also hope to foster love of the theatre among youth,” said Lộc, one of the programme’s founders.

Hoàng Tử-Công Chúa và 9 Vị Thần … Bị Bắt  will be staged at 28 Lê Thánh Tôn Street, District 1, at 8pm every weekend from May 20 to July 30.

Tickets are available at the theatre’s box office.— VNS