'Hair strands of varying length'

Inspired by Nguyen Cong Hoan's novel "Extinguishing the Flame of the Heart ," the play has made changes to details to better suit the contemporary perspective, revolving around Trong (played by Doan Minh Tai), a poor student who, due to a scheme by the wealthy landowner (Thanh Hoi), is forced to betray Loan (Ky Thao), his fiancée. Despite the change in character names compared to the original work, the story still moves the audience because, besides a tragic love story, it also paints a picture of a harsh and cruel life. Sometimes, people cannot control their own destiny and are subtly controlled and changed by circumstances. Trong's dream of a better life is not wrong; relying on the powerful in his time of need to help his relatives is justifiable, but he is too naive, failing to foresee the pitfalls, and gradually transforms himself into a different person without realizing it.

The greatest tragedy is Trong's helplessness as he is swept up in the storm of the times without the empathy of his loved ones. Everyone considers Trong cowardly and treacherous, but under the pressure of Mr. Phu's family, witnessing firsthand the cruelty of power, he lacks the strength to resist. Should we perhaps have a more sympathetic view of his fate?

Doan Minh Tai, Ky Thao, and Ai Nhu in the play "Short and Long Strands of Hair"

Other characters are also explored more fully. Mrs. Lai (Ai Nhu) knows right from wrong, possesses strong self-respect and righteousness. Her scene embracing Trong brings tears to the viewers' eyes, because no matter how misguided her children may be, the mother remains forgiving. Similarly, Thuy (Hoang Van Anh), compared to the original novel, is stronger and more straightforward, daring to let go of what is no longer worthy. Even Loan doesn't become a nun as in the novel, but opens her heart to the love of the doctor (The Hai), which is also a positive way of living.

The play is familiar to audiences but still manages to be captivating thanks to changes in details and character development. Performances are ensured by familiar faces from Hoang Thai Thanh's team, with meticulous attention to every small detail. "Short and Long Strands of Hair" is a rare purely dramatic work for the 2025 Lunar New Year.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/toc-mai-soi-van-soi-dai-goc-nhin-moi-tu-tat-lua-long-185250120221522609.htm