“Shrek the Musical” to debut in Hanoi for first time

The musical “Shrek” from the famous Broadway stage will be performed for the first time at the Hanoi Opera House.
“Shrek the Musical” to debut in Hanoi for first time ảnh 1Children casting for“Shrek the Musical” project (Photo: YOUniverse)

Hanoi (VNA) - The musical “Shrek” from the famous Broadway stage will be performed for the first time at the Hanoi Opera House.

It is expected to take place in early November, marking the end of the Opera House's activities in 2023, before closing for restoration, according to the organising committee.

'Shrek the Musical' was purchased by The YOUniverse and collaborated with a creative team including Meritorious Artist Dang Chau Anh, director Ylaria Rogers and Music Director Nicholas Gentile. This is The YOUniverse's biggest art project in 2023.

Along with the musical, the “Shrek the Musical” project will also have many sidelines events to complement and explore the artistic and creative potential of young amateurs and children with disabilities, helping them have more opportunities to approach musicals, shine on stage and spread positive values to the community.

The project also shares the message of environmental protection, with the costumes and accessories used on the musical stage all made from recycled materials.

“Shrek the Musical” to debut in Hanoi for first time ảnh 2"Shrek the Musical" project launched in Hanoi on June 29 (Photo: YOUniverse)

“Shrek the Musical” is the second fairy-tale musical to be performed in Vietnam. In 2022, The YOUniverse also bought the rights and organised the performance of "Alice in Wonderland", but in a form for students.

As for the musical, the producer had to spend five times the royalties compared to “Alice in Wonderland”, and bought it from Broadway.

It is expected that the number of actors and staff for this project will reach 300 people, and it aims to reach about 3,000 audiences, both directly and on platforms and social networks.

The main goal of the project is to target young people and help young audiences pay more attention to and understand musicals. Currently, the project is starting to recruit actors of different ages to participate in the musical./.

VNA

See more

Singer Dang Duong is among the artists featured in the national concert Proud to Be Vietnamese 2026. (Photo of the organisers)

Concert to celebrate unity and pride

The programme carries profound political, cultural and social significance, helping promote historical values and the Vietnamese tradition of paying tribute to the past generations, while nurturing love for the homeland and country and strengthening bonds among generations of Vietnamese people.

A visitor watches a calligraphy demonstration at the first Vietnam Calligraphy Festival 2026. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam Calligraphy Festival celebrates national cultural heritage

The festival features more than 100 exhibition booths, bringing together calligraphy clubs from across the country, calligraphers, artisans, culture researchers, businesses and representatives of traditional craft villages. Exhibitions, exchanges, discussions and hands-on activities celebrate calligraphy and promote Vietnam’s cultural values.

Tourists experience writing calligraphy through virtual reality at Hanoi's Temple of Literature. (Photo: VNA

Hanoi works to unlock heritage resources

When innovation deepens understanding of traditional values rather than replacing them, heritage becomes not only something to preserve but also a resource for sustainable tourism, economic development and reinforcement of Hanoi’s position as a UNESCO Creative City.

Following the launch ceremony, the 100-motorbike convoy travels from Dong Van across Ma Pi Leng Pass, taking in spectacular mountain scenery and the Nho Que River before finishing at Pa Vi Ha in Meo Vac commune. (Photo: VNA)

100 motorbikes conquer Ma Pi Leng Pass to promote safe travel

A convoy of 100 motorbikes set off on a journey across Ma Pi Leng Pass on October 21 as part of a roadshow campaign to promote safe motorcycle travel in the northern province of Tuyen Quang, home to the Dong Van Karst Plateau UNESCO Global Geopark.

The work "Khong gian cua nui" (The Space of Mountains) by Le Lang Luong. (Photo: Published by VNA)

Vietnam-Japan sculpture exhibition to bring artists together in Kanagawa

The “Dialogue” exhibition in Japan's Kanagawa prefecture from November 8-11 will feature more than 30 works by artists from both countries, including 26 pieces by 13 contemporary Vietnamese sculptors from different generations. These artists have developed distinctive artistic languages and made their own marks on Vietnam’s contemporary art scene.

A performance at the event (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese in Hungary stage first Great National Unity Festival

The event also served as a showcase for Vietnamese culture, customs, cuisine and traditions, in step with Vietnamese Culture Day. It encouraged Vietnamese of all generations to hold onto their cultural identity while spreading the image of Vietnam and its people among Hungarians, adding to people-to-people exchanges and mutual understanding between the two countries.

An ao dai fashion show at the festival. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese culture shines at festival in RoK

A celebration marking the seventh founding anniversary of the Vietnamese Migrant Women’s Association (VMWA) in Ansan, Gyeonggi province, the Republic of Korea, took place on October 18, featuring cultural exchanges and activities to mark Vietnamese Women’s Day (October 20).

Vietnam harnesses culture as growth driver

Vietnam harnesses culture as growth driver

Under a March 17, 2026 action plan from the municipal Party Committee, which follows the Politburo’s Resolution 80-NQ/TW dated January 7, 2026, on Vietnamese cultural development, the city is moving beyond preservation alone. It is now upholding heritage values while developing cultural products, spaces and markets tied to innovation and global integration.

The Ao dai parade passes through Bankstown Plaza and Bankstown Station before returning to the Bryan Brown Theatre. (Photo: VNA)

Sydney hosts first Vietnamese Ao dai street parade

Colourful traditional Vietnamese Ao dai (traditional long dresses) brought a festive touch to the streets of Bankstown, Sydney, on October 17, as more than 20 Vietnamese people from different generations took part in an Ao dai street parade held as part of the Viet Soul 3 Festival.