Artist Trinh Kim Chi performs in a coffee shop.

For the Lunar New Year of the Horse (Bính Ngọ), theater lovers have another new venue to choose from for entertainment: coffee shop theater at Trịnh Kim Chi Stage (1st floor, 5B Võ Văn Tần).

Artist Huu Nghia performs with his students in the short play "The Story of the Peach Blossom" - Photo: LINH DOAN

On the afternoon of February 4th, Trinh Kim Chi's Theatre held a rehearsal for a series of four short plays in preparation for the launch of their café theatre project during Tet (Lunar New Year) in 2026.

Artists Huu Nghia and Trinh Kim Chi perform a play with their students.

The series of plays reviewed on the afternoon of February 4th included the scripts "The Story of the Peach Blossom," "Finding the Old Lover," "The God of Love," and "Son and Daughter ." These scripts are by author Huong Saigon, directed by artists Huu Nghia and Quoc Bao.

In this series of plays, teacher Huu Nghia performs alongside students currently studying at art schools or training centers at various theaters.

Huu Nghia serves as a support system for young people. Each short script is approximately 30 to 40 minutes long.

The story of the peach blossoms is about the family quarrels at the end of the year in Mr. Nghia's household. His wife is worried about earning money to pay the supplier, while he is quite carefree, enjoying drinks with friends and giving money to anyone in need.

Through this short story, the play aims to emphasize a life of kindness and generosity, where giving will inevitably lead to receiving.

"Finding My Old Love" is a story of an unfinished love affair, where decades later the man searches for his wife and children. Will time heal the wounds so that the two can reconnect? "The God of Love" is a story about a woman betrayed in love. How can she overcome this and how can she find true love?...

Artist Huu Nghia (center) is a role model for young actors - Photo: LINH DOAN

I will try to maintain it weekly.

Since taking over the small stage on the first floor of the Ho Chi Minh City Theater Association, artist Trinh Kim Chi has been actively developing the venue. She has opened training classes and organized performances. This time, she is collaborating with artists Huu Nghia, Phuong Binh, directors Quoc Bao, Trong Hieu, Nam Cuong, and others to create a coffee shop theater model.

Speaking to Tuoi Tre Online , she said: "My colleagues and I work together in a fun spirit, having a place to perform together, and at the same time helping and supporting young actors. Many young people graduating from school find it difficult to find places to train and showcase their abilities, which is a pity, so we think we should do whatever we can to help them."

Short play "The God of Love" - ​​Photo: LINH DOAN

According to the plan, Trinh Kim Chi's café theater will officially open during the Lunar New Year of the Horse. Each evening will start at 7 PM with approximately 3 short plays. The small theater space can accommodate about 80 people. Tickets purchased by audience members include one choice of beverage.

Besides the four short plays mentioned above, the theater's repertoire also includes the play "The Case of the Stolen Chicken Eggs ." To obtain more scripts, the leading artists would sit down and discuss current social issues, then develop outlines of ideas and commission authors to write scripts.

After the Lunar New Year performances, Trinh Kim Chi said she is trying to maintain regular weekend performances at the theater. She is also planning to invite more artists to collaborate to increase the appeal of the plays and the venue.

LINH DOAN

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/nghe-si-trinh-kim-chi-lam-kich-ca-phe-20260204184630426.htm