Young actors of Sen Việt, a newly-opened drama troupe in HCM City, offer quality shows for VNĐ50,000 ($2) a ticket to serve students and low-income labourers. Photo courtesy of the producer

HCM CITY –  The new drama troupe Sen Việt, composed of 25 young actors, has opened in HCM City. 

The theatre is owned by Meritorious Artist Lê Nguyên Đạt, who has more than of 15 years experience in drama and cải lương (reformed opera), a traditional genre of theatre in the South.

Đạt has worked with the HCM City Theatre Association to open and manage his troupe professionally.

His actors are mostly students from leading art schools in the city and neighbouring provinces, including the HCM City University of Theatre & Cinematography and HCM City University of Culture.

“Sen Việt offers shows aimed at young people. Our actors want to bring the art closer to students and workers,” said Đạt, adding that his troupe offers shows at only VNĐ50,000 (US$2) a ticket.

Đạt has invited veteran actors, such as People’s Artist Ngọc Giàu and famous comic artist Trấn Thành, to perform with his young actors.

“Veteran artists will help young talents improve their performance skills in the hopes that they’ll develop a professional career and the troupe will become a place for people to enjoy theatre," said Đạt.  

The troupe debuted last weekend with Truyền Tích Cổ Loa Thành (Story of the Cổ Loa Citadel), a cải lương play about Vietnamese history and culture in the period ruled by King An Dương Vương, founder of the Âu Lạc Kingdom in the third century BC. 

It highlights patriotism and honesty, as well as love and betrayal. 

It won a silver medal for Best Play and two silver medals for Best Artists at the 4th Hà Nội Theatre Festival organised by Việt Nam Theatre’s Association in co-operation with Hà Nội’s Department of Culture & Sports this month. 

The show attracted more than 120 people.

In coming weeks, the troupe will offer new plays and comedies that highlight social issues. Productions featuring the themes of love and women will also be staged.  

Sen Việt’s performances will be staged at 8pm every Saturday and Sunday at the city’s Theatres Association at 5B Võ Văn Tần Street in District 3. — VNS