Each year, the theater produces and refreshes four plays, two new and two revived works, prioritizing historical stories that connect younger audiences with the nation’s heritage.
Notable productions include Vua thánh triều Lê (The sacred king of the Lê dynasty), Bông mai đỏ (The red apricot blossom), Nước Nam niềm khát vọng (Vietnam’s aspiration), Khí tiết rạng trời Nam (The spirit shining over the South), and Nhìn lại một vương triều (Looking back at a dynasty). Many have won top prizes at national festivals, cementing the reputation of the Đào Tấn Tuồng Troupe in the land of martial arts.
Playwright Đoàn Thanh Tâm, the creative force behind several of these works, draws from real historical figures such as national hero Mai Xuân Thưởng, Emperor Thành Thái, and resistance leader Nguyễn Trung Trực. “Historical stories rich in humanity and drama allow me to create epic plays that remain relatable today,” he said, adding that each play aims to ignite patriotism and convey timeless values.
Actors also bear the weight of history on stage. Young performer Thái Phiên, who has portrayed kings and heroes, said the challenge lies in capturing “not only the character’s actions but also their spirit,” requiring deep research into historical documents.
People’s Artist and director Nguyễn Hoài Huệ described staging historical works as “a journey back to the nation’s past.” He emphasized that creative storytelling must respect historical truth, allowing audiences “to relive the nation’s memories and feel pride in their origins.”
In late 2025, the theater plans to debut two new historical plays: Khát vọng non sông (Aspiration of the homeland), depicting Cần Vương leader Tăng Bạt Hổ and Ngọc sáng Khúc gia trang (The shining jade of the Khúc family), which recalls the early independence era under the Khúc family. Both will be directed by People’s Artist Nguyễn Hoài Huệ.
Additionally, the enhanced production of Nhìn lại một vương triều (Looking back at a dynasty), portraying Đại Việt’s transition from the Trần to Hồ dynasties, will compete at the 2025 national Tuồng and folk opera festival, organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
Through these efforts, the Gia Lai theater continues to breathe new life into traditional performing arts, bridging Vietnam’s historical legacy with the modern audience.
Behind the stage lights is a lasting mission, to safeguard national identity and ensure that every hát bội melody and bài chòi tune continues to move the hearts of the public.
