HA NOI — A new theatre will be formed through the merger of the Youth Theatre and the Viet Nam Drama Theatre, the capital city's two largest theatres, according to a decision announced by the Ministry of Culture, Sport and Tourism on Thursday.

The Viet Nam National Drama Theatre would employ 280 artists and workers under the direction of People's Artist Le Hung.

"The theatre will operate under the model of modern theatres in other countries, in order to improve its ability to specialise in the performances of such forms as drama, comedy, and children's theatre," said the theatre's new deputy director, Truong Nhuan.

Founded in 1952, the Viet Nam Drama Theatre was dedicated to discovering and developing the national identity and aesthetic for modern Vietnamese audiences, integrating elements from traditional Vietnamese cheo (popular opera) and tuong (classical drama) conventions with modern and occidental influences. The Youth Theatre, founded in 1978, has been known as the most dynamic and prolific theatre in the capital.