The expanded Hanoi Theatre Festival opened on October 14 at Cong Nhan Theatre, 42 Trang Tien. Hanoi's Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism said the event runs through October 23, bringing together 15 companies with 15 productions.
A range of stage traditions
The programme includes tuong, cheo, cai luong, spoken drama, circus and Nghe Tinh folk musical theatre. Participants represent Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Thai Nguyen, Ha Tinh and centrally managed arts organisations.
Hanoi Drama Theatre performed Ai la cha toi immediately after the opening ceremony. Further productions are scheduled from October 15 to 22 at Cong Nhan, Dai Nam and other theatres in the capital, with announced performance slots at 9am, 2pm and 7.30pm.
The programme includes spoken plays such as Pheo and Ben bo, alongside cheo production Tam Cam, cai luong work Nguoi con gai Ha Thanh and circus production Loi cua tre.
Public access and professional exchange
Organisers began distributing more than 10,000 free tickets for 15 performances on October 13. The city department reported that residents, including younger theatre-goers, attended Dai Nam Theatre to collect tickets before opening night.
The festival is organised by the municipal cultural department with the Vietnam Stage Artists Association under city direction. Held every two years since its 2014 launch, it expanded its participating areas in 2024.
Opening speakers highlighted opportunities to share professional experience and bring stage work to wider audiences. The closing ceremony is scheduled for 8pm on October 23 at Dai Nam Theatre, 89 Pho Hue, when production and individual awards will be presented.