'Crane': When a tea room turns into a detective stage

On Thien Dang stage, the play 'Hac Vy Lan' (author Thanh Huong - director Hoang Thai Quoc) opens up a nostalgic time of Saigon tea rooms before 1975.

Yellow lights with cigarette smoke, soft music, noble figures coming and going in the wine and song..., Hac Vy Lan pulls the audience into a misty realm that is both seductive and dangerous.

The story begins with Mr. Bach (Meritorious Artist Thanh Loc), a wealthy businessman, owner of a famous tea room. His seemingly peaceful life is suddenly shaken by the appearance of a singer with the stage name Hac Vy Lan. Her "genderless" voice captivates the audience, but also leads to love troubles, especially consecutive murder cases. From here, the secret about the identity of Mr. Bach's future son-in-law, the crime that was buried 15 years ago, and the calculations for power are gradually revealed.

Thai Quoc, Meritorious Artist Thanh Loc and Tuan Khoi in the play Hac Vy Lan

PHOTO: HK

As director, Hoang Thai Quoc recreated the nostalgic atmosphere of old Saigon. The classical music drifted and swayed with each dance step. The dim light blended into the hidden darkness of the mysterious velvet curtain. He did not choose the fast pace of the detective genre but instead took the audience on a journey of discovery in a slow, multi-layered way. The murder cases not only revealed the perpetrator but also opened up a multifaceted picture of identity, desire and psychological wounds. When the curtain closed, the question still lingered: In the end, who is the justice - and is the line between good and evil ever clear?

Hoang Thai Quoc not only directed, but also surprised when he transformed into the elusive Hac Vy Lan. Thanks to the technique of body makeup and voice transformation, sometimes he is an "old" singer with a gentle and leisurely demeanor, other times he becomes a mysterious, strong and sharp figure. This is a character that is half good and half evil, operating in the gray area to pursue justice, reminiscent of the image of Arsène Lupin - intelligent, liberal and full of charm.

Zhang He and Zhuang Xuan in The Legend of He

PHOTO: HK

Meanwhile, Meritorious Artist Thanh Loc continues to demonstrate his expertise with standard dialogue and subtle expressions, creating the image of a virtuous businessman but still leaving doubts about the hidden corners that have not been revealed. Meritorious Artist Huu Chau brings laughter through the role of an old, lame servant who loves martial arts stories. His voice is slurred, his gait is limping but funny, mischievous, and charming, dispelling the dark atmosphere so that the audience can breathe easily.

In addition, the large cast of actors, from familiar faces to young people such as Tuan Khoi, Truong Ha, Trang Tuyen, Thanh Khon, Nghiem Nhi, Ngoc Thuy, Huy Tu, etc., have added solid lines to the drama. They are important links that help the story flow smoothly, from shaky love affairs to the secrets of power that manipulate the law.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/hac-vy-lan-khi-phong-tra-hoa-thanh-san-khau-trinh-tham-185250928115054946.htm