When the spotlight finds its way into the hearts of young people

The explosion of social networks, movies, online games and other forms of short-form entertainment has made young people spend less time on performances that require concentration and listening. The stage has not lost its value, but clearly needs a “bridge” to connect with the new generation.

The stage finds a new rhythm to reach young people

Among the recent experiments, the play Ngoc Thu - The Gem is considered a bold push. This is a collaborative project between the Vietnam Youth Theatre and the Goethe Institute Hanoi on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the Federal Republic of Germany.

The special feature of Ngoc Thu lies in the East-West combination: the scriptwriter is German playwright Thomas Köck, one of the representative faces of contemporary European theater; while the staging is by director Dao Duy Anh and stage artist Lina Oanh Nguyen (Vietnamese of German origin).

The play's story originates from urban life: The struggle for a roof, where modern conveniences become a "battlefield" of desire, greed and the dream of settling down. But beyond the familiar situation, Ngoc Thu raises questions about the true value of happiness, the insecurity of people in a consumer society. The remarkable point is the way the story is told in 75 minutes, divided into three concise acts - closer to the reception habits of young people.

Actor Ly Chi Huy in the play Ngoc Thu - The Gem. *Photo: Artist provided*

Artist Ly Chi Huy, an actor from the Youth Theatre, who participated in the play, shared with Hanoi Moi Newspaper: “Participating in this international cooperation play, I feel like a new door has opened. Not only do we learn from international friends, we also find ways to bring the stage closer to young people. What I like most is the short but evocative storytelling, similar to the experiences of young people on social networks: short, concise, but enough to touch emotions."

If Ngoc Thu is a testament to the power of international cooperation, then "Chi Pheo's Dream" shows the ability to "revive" Vietnamese literary heritage when renewed. This is a musical project of DuongCamART Company, with musician Duong Cam as general director and scriptwriter Dinh Tien Dung as writer.

The play uses a youthful, romantic lens to tell the love story of Chi Pheo and Thi No, instead of being immersed in tragedy like the original. Broadway-style music, modern choreography, and brilliant stage lighting create a completely different Chi Pheo.

Chi Pheo and Thi No in the musical “Chi Pheo's Dream”. *Photo: Organizing Committee.*

Upon its premiere at the 2024 National Music and Dance Festival, Chi Pheo's Dream won eight awards, including the Outstanding Award for Musicals. Musician Duong Cam was also honored in the category of Outstanding Musician. After that, the play quickly became a hit when excerpts were widely shared on social media, attracting millions of views. Many shows in Hanoi were sold out.

Young audiences - who used to think that the stage was "heavy and distant" - were surprised. Le Hoang Phuc (23 years old, Hanoi) shared: "The Dream of Chi Pheo both retains its original spirit and is renewed with modern music and choreography. Thanks to that, the story becomes closer and touches the emotions of the young generation like us. This is truly a wonderful experience, making me realize that the stage is not far away at all."

From two examples - an international cooperation project, a project to renew domestic heritage - it can be seen that theatre still has a place, if we know how to innovate forms, combine creativity and take advantage of artistic language close to young people.

To keep the spotlight on today's life

The success of Ngoc Thu - The Gem or Giac Mo Chi Pheo shows that young audiences have not turned their backs on the stage, they are just waiting for a new approach. The problem is not that the stage lacks value, but how to bring that value closer to the public.

The first thing that is easily noticed is the storytelling language. When refreshed with musicals, lighting, choreography or concise structures suitable for the digital lifestyle, the stage suddenly becomes closer and easier to accept. A play can originate from literary heritage or everyday stories, but if it does not have a modern breath, it is difficult to keep the attention of young people who are used to the fast pace of social networks.

In addition, today's audiences do not only access art through the theater. They also "meet" the stage on TikTok, YouTube, Facebook or Instagram. The story "Chi Pheo's Dream" has spread strongly on digital platforms, with millions of views of excerpts, which is clear proof. When multimedia is effectively exploited, the stage is no longer limited to the four walls of the theater but can reach audiences anywhere.

Another key factor is people. Artists need to dare to innovate and step out of their comfort zone. As shared by artist Ly Chi Huy, international collaboration not only helps to learn expertise but also opens up new approaches to bring the stage closer to young people. But the efforts of artists alone are not enough. Behind them, there needs to be the accompaniment of cultural management agencies, media support and a long-term audience nurturing strategy.

More importantly, the stage cannot just stop at preservation. It must be seen as a cultural and tourist product, associated with the image of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or major cultural centers. When a play becomes the artistic “brand” of the city, it will not only attract domestic audiences, but can also contribute to promoting the image of Vietnam internationally.

In other words, the stage light can only shine for a long time if it both maintains its original spirit and boldly innovates; respects its heritage and keeps up with the times. When young audiences find empathy, they will become successors, helping the stage not only exist as a memory, but also live in today's life.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/khi-anh-den-san-khau-tim-duong-den-trai-tim-nguoi-tre-717772.html