In search of a stage

Several projects to build new theatres and art performance venues in HCM City remain on paper due to a lack of funds.

Curtains: Members of the 5B Vo Van Tan Theatre perform a scene from the play Canh Dong Bat Tan

A modern circus theatre in District 11 was intended to be built in 2002 at a cost of VND400 billion ($19 million). Plans included a stage that could be elevated or lowered, allowing it to be used for circuses, music performances, and fashion shows.

“We’ve waited for the new theatre, which the city’s authorities promised us several years ago,” said Nguyen Tri Truong, deputy director of HCM City Circus Troupe.

Founded in 1986, the theatre has moved several times, from Le Thanh Theatre to Lam Son Swimming Pool, both in District 5, and then to an area near Dam Sen Park in District 11 and later to the city’s Botanical and Zoological Garden.

The Troupe recently invested VND500 million ($23,800) to upgrade its canvas tent theatre that is now located in the September 23 Park.

Another big project was a symphony and opera performance venue, which would cost four times that of the District 11’s circus theatre. It would be built in the Thu Thiem New Urban Town in District 2.

“An international competition will be organised to select the best design for the symphony and opera theatre,” said Nguyen Thanh Rum, director of the city’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Department.

However, over a year has passed and no competition has been organised.

The HCM City Symphony and Opera Theatre currently gives monthly performances at the city’s Opera House.

A sum of nearly VND70 billion has been put aside by the city’s People’s Committee to rebuild Hung Dao Theatre, the venue for cai luong (reformed theatre) performance of Tran Huu Trang Troupe.

The theatre, which was in a decrepit state, was dismantled last year.

As the construction of the new theatre has not started, the site is now a low-budget beer shop attracting noisy crowds every night.

“If we get money from the city, the reconstruction of Hung Dao Theatre will start in February 2012,” Nguyen Van Hoang, deputy director of Tran Huu Trang Troupe, said.

Shows put on by the Troupe are organised in different theatres in the city. Hoang said his troupe was losing its audience.

HCM City authorities have also planned to upgrade the Small Drama Theatre at 5B Vo Van Tan Street in District 3 and turn it into a major theatrical art centre in the city.

“We, audience members, have been dreaming of attending performances in modern venues,” Nguyen Van Tai, a fan of cai luong, said.

“Projects to build new theatres for the city will help promote more dynamic dramas and art performances,” said Le Duy Hanh, chairman of the city’s Theatre Artists’ Association.

“But a shortage of funds has delayed our projects,” he said.

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