'Sideburns, short and long'

Inspired by the novel Tat Lua Long by Nguyen Cong Hoan, the play has changed details to better suit the perspective of the times, revolving around Trong (played by Doan Minh Tai), a poor student who, because of the plot of Mr. Phu Nhon (Thanh Hoi), had to reluctantly betray Loan (Ky Thao), his fiancée. Although the character's name was changed compared to the original, the story still moved the audience because in addition to a tragic love story, it also painted a picture of a cruel and difficult life. People sometimes cannot control their own destiny but are controlled and silently changed by circumstances. Trong's dream of changing his life was not wrong, relying on the nobility in difficult circumstances to help relatives was also legitimate, but he was too immature, did not foresee the pitfalls and gradually became a different person without realizing it.

The greatest tragedy is Trong’s helplessness when he was caught up in the storm of the times but did not receive sympathy from his relatives. Everyone thought Trong was cowardly and traitorous, but under the pressure of the Phu family, witnessing the cruelty of power with his own eyes, he did not have enough strength to resist. Should we have a sympathetic view of fate?

Doan Minh Tai, Ky Thao, Ai Nhu in the play Some Hair Short Some Hair Long

Other characters are also more fully developed. Mrs. Lai (Ai Nhu) knows right from wrong, is full of self-respect and humanity. The performance of her embracing Trong makes the audience tear up, because no matter how wrong her children are, a mother is still tolerant. Or Ms. Thuy (Hoang Van Anh) compared to the original is stronger, more straightforward, daring to give up what is no longer worthy. Even the character Loan does not become a nun like in the novel but opens her heart to accept the love of the doctor (The Hai), which is also a positive way of living.

The play is familiar to the audience but still creates attraction thanks to changes in details and character exploitation. The acting is guaranteed by familiar faces of Hoang Thai Thanh with meticulous attention to every small detail. Short and long sideburns is a rare pure drama work during the 2025 Tet holiday.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/toc-mai-soi-van-soi-dai-goc-nhin-moi-tu-tat-lua-long-185250120221522609.htm