HÀ NỘI — The world-acclaimed Matilda the Musical will be performed in Việt Nam for the first time today.

The project Vietnamese version is directed by Nguyễn Hoàng Tùng. He also wrote a new script for the musical, based on the 1988 children’s novel of the same name by Roald Dahl.

The musical’s narrative centres on Matilda, a five-year-old girl with the gift of telekinesis, who loves reading, overcomes obstacles caused by her family and school and helps her teacher reclaim her life.

The English-language musical also features composer Nguyễn Nhật Minh, choreographers Nguyễn Ngọc Trâm and Nguyễn Đức Sang, vocal trainer Hiền Nguyễn and choir director Nguyễn Hải Yến.

The performance stars students from different schools in Hà Nội, and none of them have acting experience. They practised for six months and feel confident on the stage.

Head of the project, Hoàng Thu Hường, said the artists are also parents who want to educate their children.

“For us, the project is challenging but interesting,” she said. “We require the actors participating in the musical to act, sing, dance and speak English.”

“We chose to make a musical because it’s a special work of art, a creative combination of different arts and brings much emotion for the audience.”

The project started last year. The organisers were inspired by the Matilda Musical performed by British students. It was adapted by Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin. Since 2010, the musical has received widespread critical acclaim and box-office popularity, winning many awards.

The show will take place today and tomorrow at the Tuổi Trẻ (Youth) Theatre, 11 Ngô Thì Nhậm Street, Hà Nội with the participation of two different troupes. — VNS