Performing arts lights up - something 'different' in Hai Phong

A persistent journey of Hai Phong, from 'Television Stage' to 'Lighting up the Theater' and towards 'Music City'...

The play "Red Rain" is as attractive as the work of the same name in cinema and drama.

Hai Phong 's enduring journey demonstrates a unified vision of turning performing arts into a driving force for the development of culture, people and the city's brand.

Where art has a place to perform

On the morning of October 23, at the Hai Phong Contemporary Arts Theater, the rehearsal atmosphere for the program “Drug-Free City” was lively and professional. Director, People’s Artist Hoang Lam Tung, who staged the program, shared: “I work with three groups of singers, dancers and drama artists - each group gives me satisfaction. Hai Phong artists focus on working seriously and achieving high quality. It is fortunate to collaborate with such a professional group.”

People's Artist Hoang Lam Tung (far right) staged the art program "Drug-free city".

In the role of a drug addict’s mother, People’s Artist Lan Huong, a familiar face on Vietnamese stage and television, takes a deeper look: “I am really surprised by what the Hai Phong Contemporary Arts Theatre is doing. They are going in the direction of professionalism, inviting good directors and actors to create together. This way, they not only improve the level of local artists but also bring quality works to the audience. They are bold, going in the right direction and catching up with world trends.”

That surprise is not just a personal feeling, but reflects reality: Hai Phong is creating a healthy working environment, where artists are respected and encouraged to be creative.

People's Artist Trinh Thuy Mui, President of the Vietnam Stage Artists Association, once commented when she returned to Hai Phong to stage the Cheo play "Red Rain" (July 2023): "Not only Cheo, but all art units in Hai Phong have received very good attention from the city. Success at national festivals is the result of the process of accumulation, training and especially thanks to the stage projects that are systematically invested in and have a long-term vision."

People's Artist Lan Huong plays the role of a mother with an addict in the art program "Drug-Free City".

From these shares, it can be seen that in each work, each play, there is a shadow of the innovative cultural policy. From “Television Stage” to “Lighting up the Theater”, Hai Phong not only renews the way of organizing performances but also renews the thinking about the role of art in modern life - both as a spiritual value and a resource for human development.

Vision throughout

In November 2019, when Hai Phong began implementing the Television Stage Project, few people thought that this would be a boost to change the face of local art.

Art units staged "decent" plays, which were widely broadcast and toured to serve the people, creating a new "performance space" amid the pressure of modern entertainment technology.

It is the concern of the city leaders that has aroused confidence, creative inspiration, and helped artists express their aspirations for dedication. This project has become an important foundation and lever to help Hai Phong performing arts develop rapidly, forming a golden generation of actors who maintain professional quality in each genre.

From that success, the program "Lighting up the Theater" was born in July 2023, expanding the creative space, creating opportunities for artists to live fully with their profession. Two main locations: the City Theater and the August Theater became artistic "bright spots", where audiences enjoyed selected plays by the Youth Theater, the Vietnam National Opera and Ballet Theater and Hai Phong art troupes.

Artists and actors of the Traditional Stage Theater perform for workers and laborers in industrial parks and export processing zones of the city.

Meritorious Artist Nguyen Si Tien, Director of the Youth Theater, shared that the first time he participated in “Light Up”, many people were really impressed when “Life Laughs” sold out. Hai Phong audiences love art and appreciate the stage - something that many places lack.

By July 2025, after reorganizing the units, Hai Phong will gather a stronger performing force with the Hai Phong Contemporary Arts Theater (merging the Song and Dance Troupe and the Drama Troupe), the Hai Phong Traditional Stage Theater (merging the Cheo, Cai Luong, and Puppetry troupes) and the Cheo Xu Dong Theater. In addition, there are the Military Region 3 Art Troupe and the Navy Art Troupe - professional art forces, closely associated with the audience of the Port City.

Not stopping at the stage, Hai Phong is taking a big step forward with the Project "Building Hai Phong into a City of Music in the period 2026 - 2030, oriented to 2045" - a preparation step to join the UNESCO network of creative cities in the field of music .

Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism Tran Thi Hoang Mai said the project aims to build a synchronous music and performance ecosystem: developing infrastructure from squares, walking streets, theaters, art centers to training schools; organizing national and international music festivals; encouraging traditional and contemporary composition and performance; linking cultural industry with creative tourism.

Music is not only an art but also a means of aesthetic education, nurturing the soul and aspirations of Hai Phong people - dynamic, humane, creative and integrated. When implemented synchronously, the project will contribute to promoting the image of a civilized and unique Port City, aiming for the title of UNESCO City of Music in the period 2028 - 2030.

Touring activities contribute to improving the spiritual life of workers, laborers and people.

From “Television Stage” - a creative model in the digital age, to “Light Up the Theatre” - a vibrant space for performing arts, and “Music City” - a vision for internationalizing local culture, a consistent development can be seen: Hai Phong is placing performing arts at the center of its cultural and human development strategy.

HAI HAU - DO HIEN

Source: https://baohaiphong.vn/sang-den-nghe-thuat-bieu-dien-dieu-khac-la-o-hai-phong-524600.html