Quach Ho Ninh.— Photo thanhnien.com.vn

HCM CITY  (VNS) — While HCM City theatres are attracting talented drama directors and actors, some young directors and their staff have chosen to work for television.

Quach Ho Ninh and Hoa Hiep, who were actors before becoming drama directors, decided to work in HCM City Television (HTV).

With two channels airing three dramas per week, HTV attracts many viewers, particularly younger people.

"I like the fierce competition of the drama scene on TV, meaning artists have to work hard to seek creative inspiration and new views on the stage," said Hiep, who began his career as a professional drama director two years ago.

Before the current directing job, he performed in several dramas on the stage of HCM City Theatre and the Institute for Culture Exchange with France (IDECAF).

Hiep is now one of the favourite directors in TV in HCM City.

He is working on the HTV's most popular show called Trong Nha Ngoai Pho (At Home – On the Street), a programme that features two- and three-act plays focusing on social issues and is broadcast every Friday night on HTV7.

His plays like Tim Nhau Giua Sai Gon (Looking for Each Other in Sai Gon) are about the trials and tribulations of daily life.

"As a director, I knew I'd face challenges in the new field," said Hiep. "Saigonese have such high appreciation for drama. I believe in my ability when performing for them. But I'm only a stranger to directing."

"I realise an important thing that most Saigonese people prefer comedies and serious plays in one or two acts on TV after a day of working hard. They want to be entertained with a short play. I have created more humorous scenes in my plays," he added.

Hiep's colleague, Ninh, said: "I like working with young actors in the studio. Many of them, including students at theatre schools, act in plays at different theatres each night. They can earn a good income."

Ninh's latest work is Em Xau! Anh Co Yeu Em Khong (I'm Ugly! Do You Love Me?), a theatre series featuring love and family issues on HTV9 every Saturday night.

His show has attracted young actors, such as Lan Phuong and Ai Chau.

In fact, young directors like Hiep and Ninh have received instant acclaim from TV audiences. With quality playing in an impressive style and exciting stage presence, they have dazzled drama critics and audiences.

Theatre critic Khanh Vy of HTV Magazine said: "Artists can gain inspiration and experience through observing young directors' styles of direction. Their audiences can enjoy quality shows."

The HTV has invested in facilities and human resources, and computer systems to make new dramas to satisfy the tastes of the city and other provinces such as Binh Duong, Dong Nai, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Long An and Ben Tre.

"The move comes at a time of fierce competition among TV stations, and is an effort to develop HTV's broadcasting quality," said Vy. — VNS