Vietnam and Japan to collaborate on play

The first collaborative stage work by Japanese Edo Marionette Theatre Youkiza and the Vietnam Youth Theatre is set to debut in Hanoi on May 12 night.
Vietnam and Japan to collaborate on play ảnh 1Yuki Magosaburo, director of Edo Marionette Theatre Youkiza (left) and Vietnamese People’s Artist Le Khanh perform main roles in Poisoned Wild Duck in Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre in March. (Photo: Edo Marionette Theatre Youkiza)

Hanoi (VNA) - The first collaborative stage work by Japanese Edo Marionette Theatre Youkiza and the Vietnam Youth Theatre is set to debut in Hanoi on May 12 night.

The work, entitled Poisoned Wild Duck, is based on Norwegian Henrik Ibsen’s The Wild Duck from 1884, and will be performed by marionette artists from Japan and People’s Artist Le Khanh and actor Thanh Binh.

It is a result of a project between the two theatres which received financial support from The Japan Foundation Asia Centre and the Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture.

The work will be directed by Sakate Yoji from Japan who will be working with the Marionette Theatre Youkiza for the first time.

“I chose Ibsen’s The Wild Duck by chance not for any special reason. I met Vietnamese actress Le Khanh at the first phase of the project and thought she would be fit for one of main roles in the work,” said director Sakate.

“In the play, the hunter uses lead bullets which cause serious environmental pollution. Accidentally, I know that the central coastal areas of Vietnam are polluted. The old story will convey a message of the natural environment to today’s spectators.”

In Poisoned Wild Duck, a funeral procession carries a coffin of a little girl who killed herself.

It is shown wandering in a forest in search of a burial site. The story is traced by the members of the procession, all looking back on the events which lead to the death of the injured creature and other wild creatures dying by human tyranny, such as lead poisoning and hunting. The play attempts to contrast natural scenes with the damages caused by humans.

Plays involving marionettes and actors are popular in Japan but it is rare in Vietnam to see a performance combining these two theatrical techniques.

Le Khanh and Thanh Binh will act with marionettes controlled by Japanese artists.

The actresses and some members of Vietnam Youth Theatre had a chance to observe rehearsals and performances by the Youkiza Theatre in 2014 under the Japan Foundation Training Programme.

She was deeply impressed by the fusion of the 380-year-old tradition and contemporary theatre and had a strong desire for the Youth Theatre to collaborate with the Youkiza.

“We wanted not only to learn and get experiences from a Japanese theatre but also desired to put on a stage work,” said actress Le Khanh.

Poisoned Wild Duck was performed at the Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre from March 16 to 21, gaining high acclaim from Japanese art critics and artists.

Twenty-five members including puppeteers and stage technicians led by Youkiza Theatre director artist Yuki Magsaburo came to Hanoi’s performances.

The director is 12th generation Magsaburo, whose ancestor founded Youkiza Theatre in 1635.

Today’s Youkiza continues to be active, preserving traditional marionette repertory and skills, as well as performing new plays and magic lantern shows, touring aboard and holding international projects.

“It will be an interesting stage work for spectators. I hope the joint play will be performed many times not only a few,” said director Magsaburo.

The play takes place at Vietnam Youth Theatre in Hanoi on May 13, 14 and 15 and in the Opera House in the northern city of Hai Phong on May 17.-VNA

VNA

See more

Artists, influencers are encouraged to introduce Vietnamese culture to the wider world: Deputy Minister

Artists, influencers are encouraged to introduce Vietnamese culture to the wider world: Deputy Minister

Vietnam is rewriting the playbook on cultural diplomacy, shifting from traditional government-led initiatives to embracing grassroots participation from citizens, businesses, and social media influencers. In an exclusive interview with Vietnam News Agency, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ta Quang Dong reveals how those changes have been made possible thanks to the country's new Cultural Diplomacy Strategy to 2030.

A large-scale yoga performance (Photo: VNA)

Da Nang mass yoga event promotes unity, well-being

Jointly organised by the Da Nang Union of Friendship Organisations, the Vietnam-India Friendship Association in Da Nang, and the Indian Embassy in Vietnam at Tien Son Sports Arena, the event also aimed to foster friendship between Vietnam, India, and other countries.

The event attracts thousands of people who are coaches and yogis who are passionate about practicing Yoga. (photo: baoquangninh.vn)

International Day Yoga held in Quang Ninh province

The programme featured a range of activities, including group practice sessions of the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP), Vietnamese–Indian cultural performances, a commemorative flag handover ceremony for clubs, and a beach clean-up to help protect the marine environment.

Athletes compete in 28 combat weight categories and eight performance categories (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam hosts Asian Muay Thai Championship for first time

This year’s tournament has gathered over 300 coaches, athletes, and referees from 18 countries and territories, competing in 28 combat weight categories and eight performance categories. Vietnam’s team has 50 athletes, including six from Thai Nguyen province.

Nguyen Trong Nha Uyen (third from left) on the podium at the WDSF World Championship 2025. (Photo courtesy of Hoang Thu Trang)

Vietnamese dancer shines on the world stage

Nguyen Trong Nha Uyen has made history for Vietnam’s dancesport by clinching a bronze medal in the solo Latin category at the WDSF World Championship 2025 in Germany.

A performance of Vietnamese traditional music instruments (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese culture takes centre stage in Korean city

The ambassador noted that among the 300,000 Vietnamese residing in the RoK, around 3,000 are living in Pyeongtaek and contributing actively to the local economy. Ho expressed his hope that the local authorities will continue support the overseas Vietnamese community in the city.

Ambassador Nguyen Thi Van Anh (L), Head of the Permanent Delegation of Vietnam to UNESCO, and Dr. Nguyen Phuong Hoa, Director of the Department of International Cooperation under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, attend the conference. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam re-elected to 2005 UNESCO Convention’s Intergovernmental Committee

This is the first time since the adoption of the Convention that a country has served two consecutive terms on the Committee. The outcome shows the trust and recognition that member states have given Vietnam for its efforts and achievements in carrying out and promoting the Convention, as well as for its active role, strong standing, and growing credibility at UNESCO.

A decorative motif on an ancient Quang Duc ceramic piece. (Photo: VNA)

Phu Yen taps craft village tourism to revive Quang Duc pottery

Quang Duc pottery is known for its wide range of forms, including wine bottles, jars, lime pots, vases, plant pots, incense burners and candle stands. Decorative motifs are equally rich, featuring mythical creatures, pastoral scenes, floral patterns, deer, peacocks, bats and more.

Cat Ba Archipelago in Hai Phong is chosen as the location for a nine-episode series based on the mega-popular game League of Legends (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam becomes irresistible destination for global filmmakers

Vietnam’s cinematic appeal lies in its diverse settings, from terraced mountains and limestone karsts to bustling markets and ancient towns. Its mix of ethnic vibes, buzzing street life, and old traditions gives directors a goldmine for storytelling.

Midfielder Le Viktor of Hong Linh Ha Tinh (centre) is called up for the Vietnam's national men football team along with striker Bui Alex, (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Vietnam's 35-strong squad announced for ASEAN U23 Championship 2025

The Vietnamese team will gather on June 26 in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, where they will train until July 14 before departing for Indonesia for the ASEAN U23 Championship 2025, which runs from July 15 to 29. Vietnam will face Laos on July 19 and Cambodia on July 22 in the group stage.

Students visit the exhibition (Photo: VNA)

Exhibition features President Ho Chi Minh as founder of Vietnam’s revolutionary press

The exhibition showcases more than 100 valuable documents and artifacts, divided into two main parts: “Journalist Nguyen Ai Quoc – Ho Chi Minh” and “President Ho Chi Minh – Founder and Mentor of Vietnamese Revolutionary Press.” This is an opportunity to recall the late leader’s journalism journey and affirm his exceptional role in founding and guiding the revolutionary press in Vietnam.

Illustrative photo (Photo: Usports)

Vinh Phuc to host international women's volleyball tournament

Eight teams will join the tournament, divided into two groups. Group A features Vietnam, the Philippines, Sichuan Club (China), and Australia, while Group B consists of Vietnam U21, Korabelka Club (Russia), Taiwan (China), and U21 Thailand.