University students turn exam period into a stage play

Students from the Ho Chi Minh City University of Theater and Cinema have turned a performance techniques course into a complete theatrical production, "Đêm Thánh Đường" (Holy Temple Night). The K24 class, studying directing through a work-study program, staged the play on June 10, showcasing a professional approach to theater creation.

Unlike typical acting assignments that focus on single roles or short excerpts, "Đêm Thánh Đường" immersed students in the multifaceted roles of theater professionals. The entire class collaborated on developing the story structure, fleshing out characters, unifying artistic concepts, assigning tasks, and coordinating the staging as a cohesive team.

Dr. Lê Thị Ái Liên, the instructor for the performance techniques course, praised the students' spirit of creativity and their commitment to artistic responsibility. She noted that the success of the project lies not just in the completed play but in the students' growth throughout the creative process. Liên highlighted that while students naturally have professional limitations, their willingness to step beyond the confines of a typical academic assignment to build a production with its own voice is particularly commendable.

The play features young actors fully embodying diverse characters, each with a unique fate and perspective, enriching the narrative with emotional depth. The story centers on aging artists deeply attached to an old theater facing the threat of closure. It reflects the passion of theater professionals and questions the preservation of artistic values amid challenges to various performance genres.

"Đêm Thánh Đường" includes poignant moments that quiet the audience with the sentiments of veteran artists, alongside humorous situations drawn from daily life, handled with grace on stage. A particularly impactful element is the depiction of the theater troupe performing for their audience within the very venue threatened with demolition. Despite the impending loss, the characters deliver polished performances, prioritizing the audience's emotional experience. This detail adds a significant layer of meaning to the production, underscoring the dedication of artists even in the face of uncertainty.

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Là sinh viên, các bạn vẫn còn những hạn chế nhất định về nghề nghiệp là bình thường. Điều làm tôi vui là các em đã không chọn cách an toàn mà mạnh dạn bước ra khỏi khuôn khổ của một bài tập học phần để cùng nhau xây dựng một tác phẩm có tiếng nói riêng