HÀ NỘI — Japanese and Vietnamese artists will perform Anton Chekhov’s play Uncle Vanya at Hải Phòng Municipal Theatre today, December 6 at 8pm.

The play is part of co-operation between Việt Nam Youth Theatre and Japan Theatre Centre Without Walls. Japanese director Tsuyoshi Sugiyama will stage the play for Việt Nam Youth Theatre with the participation of Japanese artists Che Hemi and Matsuda Takashi.

Uncle Vanya is one of Chekov’s most popular plays, which the Russian penned in 1898. The story focuses on an aged professor and his young wife and their estate.

"Unce Vanya’s story is still alive," said director Sugiyama. "Although Chekhov wrote the story in the 19th century but it was not set in a specific time and place. The message is valuable to present audiences.

"I’m surprised that Chekhov’s plays have not been staged in Việt Nam. I think Uncle Vanya which is a staple of the theatrical repertoire in the world will bring something new to Vietnamese audiences."

The Japanese director studied and received a systematic theatre education in Russia. The director doesn’t arrange the play with realistic style in accordance with the play writer. Sugiyama’s skill not only makes Chekhov’s pages less sad and sombre but also conveys a message of the hope, love and vividness of each character.

Vanya is played by veteran Đức Khuê, one of the leading actors at the theatre.

"I have like Chekhov’s works since a young age," said actor Khuê. "Researching Uncle Vanya and acting this role was really tough work but luckily the director who studied in Russia and knows well about the work helped us very much. The director and I have common points to express Vanya."

The Japanese experts designed the stage, sound, light and costumes. The Japanese actors Hemi and Takashi will speak their native language, whilst a Vietnamese language board will help the audiences understand.

The play will tour Japan next year. — VNS