'Life As You Wish' youth version: Don't quietly keep it in storage...

The World Youth Stage has just released the emotional work 'Doi Nhu Y' (author Bui Quoc Bao).

Although it was the project of student Vo Thi Trang Nha, a graduate of the Directing Department of the Ho Chi Minh City University of Theatre and Film, the play "Life as You Wish" captivated the audience with its meticulousness, profoundness, and artistic quality—arguably on par with professional productions currently selling tickets.

Adapted from the short story of the same name by writer Nguyen Ngoc Tu, Life is as you wish. The play is already familiar to many audiences through various productions. However, the stage always has its own unique appeal, with each version bringing a new color and breath of life. Trang Nha's production is both faithful to the lingering tragedy of the riverine region and infused with a youthful, vibrant, and compassionate spirit.

Hoa Hiep plays Hai Doi, Thanh Be plays Be Ba in the play "Life as You Wish".

PHOTO: HK

The story revolves around the tragic fate of Hai Doi (Hoa Hiep), a kind-hearted blind man. Out of compassion, he takes in a mentally disabled girl named Ba (Thanh Be), only to be falsely accused of fathering a child born out of wedlock. Tragedy forces Hai Doi to abandon his unfulfilled first love, taking Ba with him as he wanders the riverbanks and markets selling lottery tickets to make a living. Amidst their hardship, they rely on each other, their love blossoming into a small but warm family. Two children are born, whom he names Nhu and Y, embodying his simple dream of a fulfilling life.

Just when happiness seemed within reach, turmoil struck when Hai Doi discovered he had lung cancer. At the same time, the children's biological father suddenly appeared. He was a violent man who only wanted his son, Ý, and abandoned Như. Faced with this harsh reality and with little time left, Hai Doi had to make a painful choice: let Ý go with his biological father, hoping his child would have a better future and receive a proper education. The poor father's pain was like a thousand knives piercing his heart, bringing tears to the eyes of countless viewers.

Contributing significantly to the story's weight is the consistent and heartfelt performance of the professional cast, many of whom are young faces in the theater. Hoa Hiep has breathed new life into the character of Hai Doi. Less weathered and world-weary, his Hai Doi is more optimistic and resourceful, knowing how to climb trees to harvest coconuts and how to paddle a boat. He gracefully portrays the endearing nature of caring for his wife and children, and remains full of compassion when sacrificing for others. Even the tragic scenes are handled with emotion by Hoa Hiep, touching the hearts of the audience.

Thanh Nhàn plays the role of little Như, and Buti Yêu Dấu plays the role of little Ý.

PHOTO: HK

Special praise must go to Thanh Bé for her portrayal of Bé Ba. She authentically depicted a mentally disabled girl, from her wide-eyed stare and hesitant speech to her erratic movements. At times frighteningly naive, at other times surprisingly shrewd, Thanh Bé demonstrated serious investment, observation, and research to fully embody the character.

Life as You Wish deserves more opportunities to reach the public.

The success of the play cannot be attributed solely to the vision of director Vo Thi Trang Nha. Her production remains faithful to the original script, preserving the tragic essence while adding a fresh and youthful touch. Trang Nha meticulously crafted everything from the music and costumes to the scenery, vividly recreating the waterways of the Mekong Delta. From the dilapidated boat, the coconut groves casting their shadows, the ferry dock, the rural market… everything appears rustic yet poetic. The lighting and stage design are aesthetically arranged, creating beautiful and emotionally rich mise-en-scène (set designs).

Comedy and tragedy are interwoven seamlessly. The humor is natural and avoids excessive physicality that could be offensive, and the character of Ms. Tam (Le Trang) – a generous and compassionate woman typical of the Mekong Delta – is particularly impressive. Other actors such as Ly Kieu Hanh, Bui Cong Danh, Nhu Y, Thanh Thuan, Puti Yeu Dau, Thanh Nhan, Dinh Phu Ho, Ngoc Anh, etc., all perform their roles well and with great enthusiasm.

The curtain has fallen on N's life as she wished , but the emotions linger. High-quality and heartfelt graduation projects like this deserve more opportunities to reach the public, instead of being performed for just one night and then quietly stored away. That's a significant waste for both the artists and the appreciative audience.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/doi-nhu-y-phien-ban-cua-nguoi-tre-dung-lang-le-cat-kho-185250724145048083.htm