On 4/6, a scene from the play, performed by actors from Thanh Nien Drama Theater, circulated widely on social media. In the scene, a character used wordplay with sexual innuendo to elicit laughter while expressing affection. The play has no age restriction.

Poster of the actors from "Miss Island." Photo: Thanh Nien Theater

The excerpt gained significant attention, accumulating nearly one million views on a TikTok account. Many viewers found the scene crude and offensive, deeming its exploration of sexual themes inappropriate. Hao Pham, an audience member who frequently attends comedies in Ho Chi Minh City, stated the dialogue made him uncomfortable, feeling it was unsuitable for a professional stage. Others argued it was a brief segment and a common comedic device. Director Be Bay, who staged the play, has not yet commented on the controversy.

Thanh Hiep, head of the criticism committee for the Ho Chi Minh City Theater Association, revealed that the actors and crew independently altered the dialogue from the reviewed script. He expressed strong disapproval of this improvisation. According to Hiep, creativity does not grant permission to deviate from the approved content of a work. He acknowledged "Miss Island" as a current theatrical success due to its script structure, direction, and the collective efforts of the artists. However, he warned, "If only fleeting comedic elements are used, the core value of the work will be overshadowed."

On 11/6, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports announced it had received public feedback and was reviewing the play to determine appropriate action. A representative from the department stated that on-stage improvisation must not include content that violates legal regulations or negatively impacts the public. "The organizing entity and all involved individuals are legally responsible for the entire content of the performance," the regulatory body affirmed.

The play first premiered in 9/2025, featuring many young talents from the Southern stage. Directed by Be Bay and Hong Ngoc, it centers on a beauty pageant held on a deserted island. Contestants compete in beauty and etiquette, leading to a series of humorous yet awkward situations that expose the hidden aspects of showbiz.

Miss Huong Giang as a guest star in "Miss Island" in 12/2025. Video: Thanh Nien Theater

By the end of March, the play had completed 22 performances, attracting approximately 16,000 theatergoers. It generated significant ticket sales by leveraging a successful formula from the theater's previous hits, such as "Lost in Bangkok" and "Rampant in Pattaya." The directors crafted numerous situations for the cast to improvise. The production team invested heavily in set design, and contestants' costumes were changed frequently throughout each performance.

A distinguishing feature of "Miss Island" compared to other plays in the genre is its secret guest appearances. In each performance, various celebrities, including singers Minh Hang, Van Mai Huong, Phuong Ly, and Miss Huong Giang, made surprise appearances on stage. Some artists attended as audience members and were invited by the MC to ask questions to the actors, fostering lively interaction. In late 12/2025, the play was nominated for the Mai Vang 2025 award in the "Favorite Play" category.

Tam Ky