A representative for Thien Dang Stage - Art Co., Ltd. announced that the venue will operate until 2/8. Artists are preparing to perform a number of shows in July, including: 'Lo Hang', '13 Duc Thay', and 'Ngoi Nha Khong Co Dan Ong', before concluding with 'Noi Ket Thuc Bat Dau'.

Artists from Thien Dang theater take a commemorative photo during the final performance of 'Co Giao Duyen' on the evening of 9/7. *Photo: Contributed*

The company has not disclosed a specific reason for the theater's closure. On the evening of 9/7, during the final performance of 'Co Giao Duyen', numerous actors, including Thanh Loc, Kim Xuan, and Van Trang, expressed regret and took commemorative photos backstage. Earlier, artist Thanh Loc announced his departure from Thien Dang theater at the end of July, following the last show.

For the management, this was a difficult decision. Over the past three years, their greatest achievement was not the number of plays or illuminated stages, but the trust and companionship of their audience. A media representative stated, "Each performance allowed us to tell stories through art and emotion, to receive laughter, tears, and applause."

Thien Dang was established in September 2023, bringing together veteran names such as Thanh Loc, Huu Chau, and Kim Xuan, alongside popular actors: My Duyen, Van Trang, Luong The Thanh, and Le Phuong. From its inception to its launch, the theater received support from many artists.

Artist Thanh Loc (left) with young actors in 'Ngoi Nha Khong Co Dan Ong', one of Thien Dang's popular works. *Photo: Company provided*

Over the past three years, Thien Dang attracted audiences with many plays such as 'Giang Huong', '13 Duc Thay', 'Co Giao Duyen', and 'Lo Hang', with some productions selling out. 'Giang Huong', directed by Thanh Loc, won a gold medal at the first TP HCM Theater Festival.

At the theater, in addition to acting, Thanh Loc served as artistic director, staging plays, and supporting colleagues. He previously stated that this stage was a place to continue his love for theater in his 60s. Beyond entertainment plays, the artist directed many Broadway-style productions, experimenting with musical theater to promote the genre to audiences, especially young people.

Many theaters in TP HCM have closed, primarily due to inefficient operations. In 2018, Nu Cuoi Moi theater, once the passion project of the late artist Huu Loc, ceased operations after 14 years. In the same year, artist Hong Van announced that her SuperBowl theater stopped performing because high rental costs and ticket sales were insufficient to cover actor fees.

Mai Nhat