Antigon – A unique experimental mark of Bui Nhu Lai

(NLĐO) - When ancient Greek tragedy meets the experimental Vietnamese theatrical language, directed by Bui Nhu Lai.

Người Lao Động•28/11/2025

Antigon – Bui Nhu Lai's unique experimental masterpiece - Photo 1.

The young actors gradually showed great emotion in the play "Antigon".

On the morning of November 28th, at the Ba Thang Hai Cultural Center in Nam Dinh, a large audience came to watch the play Antigon (70 minutes), directed by Dr. Bui Nhu Lai, Meritorious Artist, and edited by Truc Ngan, with the participation of actors from the Hanoi University of Theatre and Film. This performance made a strong impression at the 6th International Experimental Theatre Festival - 2025.

From Greek tragedy to metaphors about contemporary humanity.

Sophocles' original Antigone revolved around the fundamental conflict between human law and divine law, between political power and personal morality. In Bui Nhu Lai's version, this conflict is no longer confined to the context of ancient Greece, but is shifted to a broader symbolic space where modern man still faces the harsh choices between duty, conscience, and power.

Bui Nhu Lai's experimental approach captivates contemporary audiences because the actors don't wear ancient costumes but instead portray contemporary individuals, living alongside the characters and telling the audience about Antigone's fate with a profound perspective.

Antigon – Bui Nhu Lai's unique experimental masterpiece - Photo 2.

Director Bui Nhu Lai (center - arms outstretched) and the actors participating in the play "Antigon" greet the audience at the 6th International Experimental Theatre Festival - 2025.

Therefore, the main character is not simply a historical or mythological figure, but becomes a symbol of an individual who dares to confront oppressive power and maintain dignity in a society controlled by rigid norms.

Creon is no longer just an ancient king, but a universal image of power, of mechanisms, of systems that always place order above humanity. I like how the director allows the characters to occasionally break character, commenting on the drama at the most climactic moments, creating laughter at the right time, in a profound and charming way.

Experimental staging techniques break down the illusion of the stage.

One of the highlights of the performance is that the director did not aim to create an illusion of realism. Instead, he used techniques to

Actors don't completely immerse themselves in their characters; at times, they detach themselves from the role, becoming observers, commentators, or story guides. In this respect, artist Nguyen Hoang Tung performs very intelligently, and his supporting roles are therefore enjoyed by the audience.

Antigon – Bui Nhu Lai's unique experimental masterpiece - Photo 3.

The final scene evokes strong emotions in the audience watching "Antigon".

The actors' "lack of complete immersion" creates a necessary aesthetic distance, forcing the audience not only to "watch" but also to "think." The characters simultaneously live through tragedy and are presented to the public, preventing the story from becoming a somber sentimental affair and instead transforming it into a major moral issue requiring reflection.

Here, the stage is no longer a place for recreating reality, but becomes a space for thought – where every detail carries a thematic significance, inviting viewers to participate in the process of understanding.

A minimalist stage, yet rich in Vietnamese cultural symbolism.

The stage design of the performance does not follow the Western model of historical reenactment, but instead chooses symbolic language, minimalist yet multifaceted. Vietnamese cultural elements such as bamboo ladders are incorporated purposefully, not for decorative purposes, but to function as cultural symbols.

Antigon – Bui Nhu Lai's unique experimental masterpiece - Photo 4.

These young actors possess the talent and confidence to portray unique and experimental roles in the film "Antigon".

Bamboo ladders, with their rustic material, have become a bridge connecting the space of ancient Greece and the spiritual life of Vietnamese people today, creating a quiet but profound cultural dialogue.

The stage design in the plays directed by Bui Nhu Lai has a distinctly artistic style, reminding me of the play Kieu that Bui Nhu Lai co-directed in the "Kieu" project (2019) with directors Tran Luc, Hong Van, and Amelia Niermeyer. The stage design is very characteristic, with multi-dimensional spaces created using only bamboo, reeds, ladders, and ropes, yet exuding an artistic atmosphere.

Antigon as a "moral metaphor" in modern society

In Bui Nhu Lai's interpretation, Antigon is not merely a woman who defied the king, but a symbol of a person who dared to defend spiritual values in a world heavily influenced by power and political reason. The tragedy here lies not in her death, but in the crushing of humanistic principles by indifferent mechanisms.

Antigon – Bui Nhu Lai's unique experimental masterpiece - Photo 5.

The artistic design and layout of the play "Antigon" are very impressive.

It's noteworthy that the director doesn't idealize Antigon as a classical tragic hero. The character is portrayed with very human inner struggles and conflicts. This is what prevents the play from becoming a moralistic illustration, instead opening up questions: If you were Antigon, what would you choose? If you were Creon, would you behave differently?

Another positive point is the brilliant performance of the young cast. They sing well, coordinate seamlessly, adhere strictly to the style, and above all, demonstrate teamwork so that no one strays from the group.

A noteworthy experiment in training and innovation.

Antigon is a production staged for young talents, representing a serious artistic practice in the research and creation of experimental theater. The work demonstrates how a classical tragedy can be "re-read" in contemporary language, respecting the spirit of the original while opening up new dimensions of thought and aesthetics.

In the context of Vietnamese theater seeking new paths and experimental models—not through superficial novelty, but through a transformative approach to values—Dr. Bui Nhu Lai's Antigon is a commendable effort—a serious experiment between classical and modern, between the world and Vietnam, between theater and life.

Bui Nhu Lai demonstrates a rare experimental prowess in staging classical plays: instead of disrupting the original with ostentatious displays of form, he renews it with depth of thought, transforming the heritage into a vibrant space for dialogue with contemporary people.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/antigon-dau-an-thu-nghiem-doc-dao-cua-bui-nhu-lai-196251128232751658.htm