Japanese director shows off new version of masterpiece of Vietnamese theatre

Popular actress Chiều Xuân (centre) is Trương Ba’s wife in the play. — Photo courtesy of Ơ Kìa Hà Nội

HÀ NỘI — One of the most popular plays by the late Lưu Quang Vũ, Hồn Trương Ba Da Hàng Thịt (Trương Ba’s Soul in Butcher’s Body) will be performed in Hà Nội.

From July 12 to 14, Japanese director Tsuyoshi Sugiyama and Vietnamese artists will showcase the new 2024 version of the play.

Hồn Trương Ba Da Hàng Thịt was penned by Vũ early 1980s, developed from a folk tale of the same name. The playwright brought significant messages to audience about life and existential truths.

It illustrates the conflict between the soul of a poor, diligent, loving farmer, Trương Ba and the large, crude, lazy body of the butcher.

In his work, Vũ reveals his compassionate heart towards human tragedies, particularly Trương Ba who chooses death to protect himself from base desires and the worst aspects of ordinary life.

This choice serves as a reminder to audience about the true value of life. Happiness cannot be attained by living through others’ bodies nor can freedom be achieved when controlled by others’ hands. True happiness comes from being oneself.

With a running time of two hours, the play incorporates new elements in expression while staying true to the original script. The director makes the play with modern aspects such as live music throughout, costume changes and altered characters for a fresh perspective.

“I haven’t changed the script, but I have changed the characters,” said Sugiyama. “In the older versions character Đế Thích is played by an actor, in my version an actress will act this role. Plus, I let one artist play different roles.

“I use abstract elements to globalise the Vietnamese play aiming at introducing Vietnamese talented playwrights to the world.”

Vũ (1948-88) was a celebrated playwright, poet and essayist in Việt Nam. His literary repertoire includes 50 theatrical plays, three short stories, one collection of essays and several books of poetry. He is considered as a phenomenon of Vietnamese theatre in 20th century.

His works were charactised by their gritty realism and great humanity, portraying the darker side of society.

Premiered in 1984, Trương Ba’s Soul in the Butcher’s Body has undergone various adaptations, transitioning between spoken drama, puppetry and physical theatre. — VNS