Director Hong Ngoc puts all his efforts into "Karma" by Ho Bieu Chanh

Đạo diễn Hồng Ngọc dồn sức cho — Director Hong Ngoc (right cover) and young actors in the play "Duyen Nghiep"

In the treasure trove of Vietnamese literature, Ho Bieu Chanh is a special name. He is a pioneer writer of the Southern national language literature, and at the same time, he wrote about tragic fates with a writing style full of humanity and morality. Based on that spirit, author Hoang Hiep composed the play "Nghiep duyen" directed by Hong Ngoc (Mai Vang Award 2024) and performed on the evening of June 19 at the Thanh Nien Theater.

It is an emotional and challenging step in adapting classical literature into modern theatrical language. Author Hoang Hiep has created a beautiful impression for his artistic journey when adapting a very sweet and flexible dramatic story that captivates the audience.

More specifically, this is also a work that brings together young actors - students led by Hong Ngoc herself - new faces with a contemporary breath telling the story of the early 1920s in O Mon - Can Tho .

Set in the countryside at a time when the country began to absorb Western cultural waves, "Nghiep Duyen" opens a scene full of contrasts between tradition and novelty. Mrs. Kim - a typical feudal woman, noble and conservative - sent her son, Ly Nhu Thach, to study at a Western school with the hope of future glory.

But the "civilization" she was expecting turned out to bring home a daughter-in-law from a different background: Ana Nguyen Thi Hong Nhung - a girl from the North, orphaned and educated.

Just because of their "unworthy" origins, Mrs. Kim strongly opposed the marriage. And from that separation, a series of tragedies fell: the young couple lived in poverty, Ana died early from illness, Ly Nhu Thach became a single father raising his children in poverty, and finally he also collapsed from tuberculosis. The little daughter - Ly Thi Thanh Uyen lived on the love of a kind man. Only when all the losses occurred did Mrs. Kim realize the mistake of all the suffering.

Choosing a play with heavy psychological content, thick layers of social conflict and haunting like "Nghiep duyen" as a university graduation thesis for his students, director Hong Ngoc not only demonstrated his professional vision but also expressed his strong belief in the next generation.

Under her direction, 8 young actors created a simple, emotional play. The message throughout the play is a sincere reminder: "No matter how bad life is, you must cherish the people who love you." The play makes the audience silent and wonder, "Is it because of selfishness that we accidentally lose the precious things in life: sympathy, acceptance and forgiveness?"

Adapting Ho Bieu Chanh's literature to the stage is not new, but few works can achieve what "Nghia Duyen" has achieved - that is, intergenerational empathy. Young audiences may not have read Ho Bieu Chanh's works, but they will see themselves in the character Ly Nhu Thach - a young person wavering between ideals and reality. They will see themselves in Hong Nhung - a girl who wants to love but suffers from prejudice. And most of all, they will see their own family members through the figure of Mrs. Kim - a mother who loves her child but loves in a way that her child does not need.

Young actors: Nong Huyen Trang, Tan Manh, Lam Phuong, Nhat Vie, Duong Nhi, Thien Luan, Tuong Vi, Viet Thang performed their roles excellently, supported by many other young actors, creating a night full of emotions.

Meritorious Artist Nguyen Cong Ninh, artist Tu Trinh, Master of Director Hoang Map, Master of Director Cao Tan Loc, Meritorious Artist Cao Duc Xuan Hong, actors and singers Nam Cuong, Le Phuong, author Nguyen Bao Ngoc... came to watch and congratulate the success of the play "Duyen Nghiep".

Source: https://nld.com.vn/dao-dien-hong-ngoc-don-suc-cho-nghiep-duyen-cua-ho-bieu-chanh-196250620070630266.htm