Viet Nam News
HCM CITY— A new play on young volunteers and their contributions to society will be staged this weekend in HCM City, as part of the city’s cultural activities to mark the 41st anniversary of the HCM City Young Volunteer Force (HYVF).
The 90-minute work, titled Mot Thoi De Nho (A Time to Remember), is a production directed by Trinh Kim Chi in co-operation with young screenwriter Trang Tran of the TKC Drama Club, one of the city’s private art troupes.
The VND120 million (US$5,400)-production tells the story of young volunteers living in remote areas of southern provinces during the 1980s.
It has attracted 20 young theatre actors, including Uyen Nhi, Minh Tien and Phuc Thien of the TKC. Veteran artists Chi and Mai are also featured.
“We wanted to highlight the brave volunteers’ remarkable work in rebuilding our homeland after the war,” said the play’s female director Chi.
Chi said that HYVF’s members and their contributions to the country were an endless source of inspiration that had helped her young actors perform their roles.
To highlight her play’s theme, Chi used revolutionary songs, such as Co Gai Mo Duong (Young Female Volunteers Maintain the Roads), Em La Thanh Nien Xung Phong (She’s a Young Volunteer) and Em O Nong Truong Em Ra Bien Gioi (She Works at a Farm, She Goes to the Border), written by famous musicians Xuan Giao, Trinh Cong Son and Quynh Hop.
“I faced challenges playing a young girl who volunteered to live and work in remote areas. But I’ve improved my performance skills,” said 21-year-old actress Nhi, who stars in a leading role.
Nhi and her colleagues have worked with Le Thi Mai, former member of the force, to improve their acting skills.
“I volunteered to work in Kien Giang and Ca Mau provinces in 1976 when I was 21 years old. I’m very happy to help young actors. Through their work, I hope audiences will learn more about our work,” said Mai.
Mai and her colleagues attended the play’s premiere at District 6’s Cultural Centre last week.
Mot Thoi De Nho will be staged on Saturday and Sunday night at the centre, which can be found at 170 Kinh Duong Vuong Street in District 1. — VNS