HCM CITY —  Female theatre director Trịnh Kim Chi of HCM City’s private drama troupe, TKC, believes that musical dramas created for children will dominate the market this summer. 

Chi and her staff will restage one of their popular plays, Lọ Lem Truyền Kỳ (Cinderella’s Story), featuring songs, dances and colourful images.

The artists will make their debut with a free performance for more than 400 disadvantaged children living in open houses in rural districts on Children’s Day on June 1.  

Directed by Chi, the play is about Lọ Lem and the magical adventures and obstacles she encounters in life. 

Despite the challenges that befall her, Lọ Lem continues to believe in love and offers help to others.   

“I wanted to create a world built on both traditional and modern styles. My actors and I have worked under a lot of pressure so that we can produce a musical play for children,” said Chi, owner of the TKC.

“We spent a large sum on making music, costumes, light and sound effects,” added the 44-year-old director.  

Costume designers and specialists in sound and light have added realistic elements to the play through beautiful clothes, accessories and interior design suited to the play’s theme.

“Young audiences will be entertained with characters by our new talents Mỹ Dung, Lê Khâm, Uyên Nhi and Gia Huy, who come from leading art schools like the HCM City University of Theatre and Cinematography. These actors have skills in music, dance, pantomime and circus tricks,” she said.  

Last year, Lọ Lem Truyền Kỳ was so popular that ticket buyers had to stand in long lines at the box office. Chi and her actors hope the play’s musical version will make new waves this season.

Begun in 2015, the TKC offers shows staged especially to serve children and young people. 

“Through our troupe, we want to promote and develop drama among young people, particularly children, who can learn new things about history, culture and traditional lifestyle through our shows,” said Chi, one of the city’s few female directors in theatre and film.

“I decided to develop my business here because I found that there was no drama theatre in District 6. Although I know that I would face challenges, I believe in the future,” she said.  

The musical can be seen at 259 Hậu Giang Street in District 6. It runs through July 30. — VNS