From January 12 to 14, the Hanoi Drama Theatre showcased the 2024 version of the play "Trương Ba’s Soul in the Butcher’s Body," leaving the audience captivated.
With a runtime of three hours, the play incorporates new elements in expression while staying true to the original script. It revolves around timeless tragedies and issues that remain relevant.
Directed by Tsuyoshi Sugiyama from Japan in collaboration with director-producer Nguyễn Hoàng Điệp, the play maintains the original script but introduces modern aspects such as live music throughout, costume changes, altered personalities, and gender transformations for a fresh perspective.
In homage to Luu Quang Vu, the 2024 performance continues to explore tragedies related to the responsibilities of those in power, the struggle to be true to oneself, and ethical dialogues between values considered noble and commonplace.
These elements serve as emotional catalysts for viewers of various ages and backgrounds—whether familiar or new to the play's content.
Premiered in 1984, "Trương Ba’s Soul in the Butcher’s Body" has undergone various adaptations, transitioning between spoken drama, puppetry, and physical theater.
The 2024 rendition, marking 40 years since the play first reached audiences, pays tribute to one of Vietnam's outstanding and prolific playwrights./.
