The theatre's stage will be equipped with modern digital audio and lighting equipment worth nearly US$84,000.— Photo vnexpress

HA NOI (VNS)  — Commencing March 22, the artists from the Youth Theatre will experience how their Japanese counterparts produce stage shows in a training course in Japan, as per an agreement signed yesterday.

This is part of a non-refundable project funded by the Japan Foundation to improve the theatre's facilities and human resources to enhance art performances.

The theatre's stage will be equipped with modern digital audio and lighting equipment worth nearly US$84,000.

Providing modern technical facilities during performances will not only help the theatre to host more efficient shows for the local audiences, but will also meet the requirements of cultural exchange programmes between Viet Nam and Japan, and the other developing countries in the world, according to Truong Nhuan, the theatre director.

Under the project, a four-month training course will be organised for technicians, managers, and artists at the performing centres in Japan from March 22 to July 13.

"We understand that the Youth Theatre has made positive contributions to fostering the younger generation through cultural activities, which is an important investment channel for the nation's future," noted Charge d'Affaires ad Interim at the Japanese embassy in Ha Noi, Suzuki Hideo.

"The theatre has also organised numerous performances across the country to serve the local communities," he further added.

"I hope that the project will help enrich the imagination of the Vietnamese youth and enhance their abilities to better express body and spoken languages," he emphasized.

Stage Designer Doan Bang, who is one of the 15 members due to visit Japan, hopes to learn from the Japanese artists during this period.

"I will take the opportunity to learn more about my field of stage and costume design. Japanese stage technique is very strong," remarked Bang.

"I want to know how creativity progresses in stages from a script to a final performance by the Japanese artists," Bang stated.

Last year, he had an opportunity to visit Japan to tour the theatres in the country along with the other artists from the Youth Theatre. The artists visited many theatres including Shiki, Ryuzanji, and Marebito and witnessed the Japanese traditional arts of Kabuki and Noh.

The agreement signing ceremony was held yesterday at the Youth Theatre and was attended by the representatives from the Japanese Embassy and Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. — VNS