This is one of Viet Nam’s most significant international cultural events of the year, attracting nearly 1,000 artists from 30 professional theatre troupes, both domestic and international.
The festival will feature 29 experimental performances, including 10 productions from nine international troupes representing the Philippines, Poland, China, the Republic of Korea, Israel, Japan, Mongolia, and Uzbekistan.
According to Nguyen Dang Chuong, Permanent Vice Chairman of the Viet Nam Stage Artists Association, the festival aims to promote artistic innovation, creative experimentation, and cultural exchange between Viet Nam and the world. It provides an opportunity for artists to test new theatrical forms, explore modern techniques, and redefine stage expression while maintaining deep cultural roots. “Every experiment may not succeed, but each attempt opens new paths for artistic creativity,” Chuong emphasised.
This year’s festival will encompass a wide range of performances, including spoken drama, mime, musical theatre, traditional genres, circus, and puppetry, as well as emerging unnamed experimental forms.
Alongside the performances, the festival will also host three academic symposiums focusing on contemporary stage creativity, as well as various art programmes for the opening and closing ceremonies, and public shows.
A highlight of the event will be a vibrant street parade in Hoa Lu Ancient Quarter (Ninh Binh), blending traditional and modern artistic expressions to create an immersive cultural experience for both audiences and performers, while reinforcing Viet Nam’s image as a dynamic and creative hub for the performing arts.
