Directed by Dao Duy Anh, "Ngoc Thu" premieres on 26/9 at the Youth Theater. The play revolves around the competition for a dream house, revealing aspects of ownership, ambition, and the blurred lines between dreams and reality. Meritorious Artist Si Tien, director of the Youth Theater, said the play, which has been in development for over a year, has a distinct, experimental style compared to the theater's previous productions.

Playwright Thomas Kock researched Vietnamese history and culture before writing the script. However, the play's themes of contemporary society are universal, not specific to Vietnam. "I'm not posing grand questions, but rather exploring the anxieties of young people today and what connects them," Kock said.

In "Ngoc Thu," Kock identifies characters by letters like M, J, and V. Director Dao Duy Anh said he spent extra time recreating character backgrounds to give the actors a solid foundation. He condensed the script from almost three hours to 80 minutes, while maintaining the essence of German theater.

Playwright Thomas Kock at the project's press conference in Hanoi on 23/9. Photo: Provided by the organizers

According to the director, "Ngoc Thu" is philosophical and abstract. "The Gem represents a desire that gives rise to greed and fuels fierce competition. The play's message is to be content and avoid excessive desire," he explained.

Actress Huong Thuy, who plays the lead role, described the experience as a departure from her previous characters. She praised Kock's script for its ability to explore seemingly simple yet complex artistic themes.

A scene from the play. Photo: Provided by the organizers

The play is divided into three chapters. The first two feature a large gem centerpiece and a glass bridge connecting the stage to the first three rows of the audience. Vietnamese-German designer Lina Oanh Nguyen drew inspiration from concerts for the bridge, symbolizing the human desire for success.

The Youth Theater and the Goethe Institute Hanoi collaborated on "Ngoc Thu" to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Germany. Oliver Brandt, director of the Goethe Institute Hanoi, described Kock as one of the most successful playwrights in modern German theater, known for his unique use of language. Kock's work, while seemingly enigmatic, connects with everyday life, revealing societal issues.

Phuong Linh