HÀ NỘI — Embracing the spirit of Politburo Resolution No 80‑NQ/TƯ on developing culture, the Việt Nam National Drama Theatre is preparing a bold renewal in 2026 to lift the profile of spoken drama, Meritorious Artist Kiều Minh Hiếu, the theatre’s director, said.

The 2026 season will balance heritage and innovation. The theatre will stage Vietnamese and international classics alongside politically engaged dramas that offer ideological depth and strong aesthetic value.

A centrepiece will be Nguyễn Huy Tưởng’s Vũ Như Tô - reopened with a modern, meticulous production that probes the tensions between art and power, creative ideals and social responsibility while honouring the original text. Complementing this will be a contemporary play mining folk material, chosen to reconnect traditional motifs with today’s audiences.

Hiếu emphasised that repertoire choices will be guided not only by literary merit but by social resonance: works must enrich public life and spark conversation. Artistic ambition will be paired with broader accessibility - higher production standards, clearer storytelling and audience-friendly staging aimed at attracting new, younger spectators without compromising quality.

Beyond Hà Nội, the theatre plans nationwide tours to bring performances to remote provinces and strengthen cultural outreach. Serving overseas Vietnamese communities is another priority; the theatre will build on past tours in Europe and visits to Laos, Thailand and other countries to preserve and promote national cultural values abroad.

Aligned with Resolution 80’s push toward cultural industry development, the theatre will intensify partnerships with cultural organisations, businesses and community groups to create cohesive, practical programmes with wide impact. These collaborations are intended to diversify funding, expand audiences and support larger-scale projects that elevate the status of spoken drama in contemporary life.

Digital transformation is also central. The theatre will expand its presence on social media, stream highlights, and improve online engagement to reach viewers who cannot attend live shows. At the same time, it will accelerate efforts to nurture young talent - providing training, performance opportunities and mentorship to inject freshness and longevity into the stage.

People’s Artist Nguyễn Xuân Bắc, Director of the Performing Arts Department, praised the theatre’s 2025 innovations and urged vigorous implementation of Resolution 80.

“Resolution 80 opens great opportunities for art units,” Bắc said.

“With stronger attention from Party and State, if we seize this moment well, it will be a powerful impetus for the stage to grow and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s cultural development.” — VNS