The 'Ao quan' team receives the Special Work Award from organizers of the Daegu International Healing Performance Arts Festival in South Korea. Photo: Organizers
The festival runs from October 6 to 18 in Daegu as part of the autumn series of Fantasia Daegu Festa, with 12 participating organizations.
Uyen, who was among the performers in 'Ao quan,' written and directed by artist Chinh Ba, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) online newspaper that festival organizers praised the production for its innovative combination of theatrical forms and its humanistic message about mental health.
The Special Work Award was added this year alongside the festival's two usual categories, Outstanding Performance Technique and Outstanding Actor, to honor the Vietnamese production and promote cultural exchange between Vietnam and South Korea.
The title 'Ao quan' draws on the concept of apophenia, a phenomenon in which people try to find meaning in things that have none, according to The Thao & Van Hoa (Sports & Culture) newspaper.
People's Artist My Uyen (R) performs in the Vietnamese musical theater production 'Ao quan.' Photo: Organizers
Combining contemporary dance, singing, spoken drama and installation art, the production reflects a range of social issues through the stories of two mothers and their children.
It explores the psychological and emotional challenges facing young people, some of whom choose a negative ending, and asks how to minimize such cases.
The production also examines the influence of public opinion and social media, and raises questions about how people should respond and comfort those affected when something bad happens.
A scene from the Vietnamese musical theater production 'Ao quan.' Photo: Organizers
Through the performance, the creative team seeks to sound the alarm on mental health, urging individuals and society to take the issue seriously. Although such struggles may arise within individual families, the production presents them as a wider social concern that requires attention and action.
Uyen said she hoped the production would contribute to bringing the voice of Vietnamese musical theater to international audiences at a festival known for its humane and empathetic approach.
Last year, at the sixth International Experimental Theatre Festival in Ho Chi Minh City, 'Ao quan' won a silver medal, while Uyen received an individual gold medal and artists Tuan Kiet, Tran Dai Chinh and Quan Phuc Toan each received an individual silver medal.
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