'Ngoc Thu' and the questions and complexities of our generation

Written by Thomas Köck - a contemporary German playwright, 'Ngoc Thu' tells the story of the competition between urban residents to own a dream apartment, revealing the social behaviors that shape contemporary life.

Ngoc Thu is a story of contemporary urban youth - Photo: BTC

As a stage project to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Germany, Ngoc Thu will perform from September 26 to 28 at the Youth Theater (11 Ngo Thi Nham, Hanoi ).

The Goethe Institute Hanoi and the Youth Theatre held a press briefing about the play on September 23, the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The fight for the dream home in Ngoc Thu

Ngoc Thu explores different aspects of modern urban life, offering a fresh and insightful look at the aspirations of people living in ever-changing cities.

At the heart of Ngoc Thu is a familiar story: the search for a home, as the Goethe-Institut introduces it. The competition to own a dream apartment gradually reveals the social behaviors that shape contemporary life.

The apartment is not just real estate, it becomes a symbol of desire torn between dream and reality.

Teaser of the play Ngoc Thu

Responding to Tuoi Tre Online, screenwriter Thomas Köck said he had learned a lot about Vietnam's long history and rich culture before writing the script specifically for this project, hoping to write a script that touches on Vietnam's very rich culture.

However, it is a universal story of contemporary society, not just a story of Vietnam.

"I don't want to raise big questions, but I want to touch on questions, things that are close and deep in today's youth culture. What are they worried about? What connects them?", said screenwriter Thomas Köck.

Mr. Oliver Brandt - Director of the Goethe Institute Hanoi - said this is not just a show.

It is a story about life, the questions and complexities of our generation in today's urban world.

Artist Huong Thuy (left) plays the main role in Ngoc Thu - Photo: BTC

Contemporary issues from an unexpected perspective

But the special appeal of the play Ngoc Thu does not come only from the story itself. According to the Goethe Institute, the creative scenery and sound combined with the poetic dramatic language and the powerful acting of the artists of the Youth Theatre will bring a special approach to the stage.

There, we can both encounter the contemporary creative language that is prominent on the German stage and find the unique creations of the Youth Theatre.

Ngoc Thu's impressive stage was designed by German-Vietnamese stage designer Lina Oanh Nguyen - Photo: BTC

According to the Goethe Institute, Oliver Brandt Thomas Köck was one of the most successful playwrights on the modern German stage, highly innovative, known for his unique use of language.

His plays are full of rhythm and poetry. They may seem complex or mysterious at first glance, but they always seek to connect with everyday life and show us the problems facing society from an unexpected angle, in a very stimulating way.

Actress Huong Thuy, who plays the main role in the play, said that participating in this play helped her find her weaknesses in her career to become better, more energetic, and her professional mindset was further developed, a wonderful form of on-site study abroad.

BIRD OF PARADISE

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/ngoc-thu-va-nhung-cau-hoi-nhung-phuc-tap-cua-the-he-chung-ta-20250923190221126.htm