Sixth International Experimental Theatre Festival 2025 closes

After half a month of vibrant activities (from November 15) across four provinces and cities including Ha Noi, Ninh Binh, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hai Phong, the sixth International Experimental Theatre Festival attracted more than 1,000 artists from nearly 30 professional theatre units in Viet Nam and abroad. The festival featured 19 experimental plays from domestic theatre companies and 8 works by international art units.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, People’s Artist Trinh Thuy Mui, Chairwoman of the Viet Nam Theatre Artists’ Association, affirmed that experimentation in theatre is the journey to seek new elements during the creative process. Whether successful or not, experimentation is valuable for both managers and theatre creators because each attempt offers priceless lessons that open new pathways paths filled with both blossoms and challenges.

According to Mui, the sixth International Experimental Theatre Festival 2025 gave Vietnamese and international theatre artists moments of reflection, allowing them to look back on themselves and discover new ideas in playwriting, directing, acting, set design, music, and other supporting elements. These efforts help renew theatre while still rooted in each country’s traditional artistic values.

Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Phan Tam emphasised that this year’s festival took place when Viet Nam is implementing the Politburo’s Resolution on revitalising and developing culture, affirming culture as the spiritual foundation, soft power, and driver of sustainable development. At the same time, Viet Nam is realising Resolution No.59-NQ/TW on comprehensive international integration, which highlights the role of cultural diplomacy and people-to-people exchange in enhancing mutual understanding among nations.

In that context, the festival held significance beyond an artistic event - it served as a meeting point of cultures, where shared human values were exchanged; it demonstrated Viet Nam’s openness and proactive integration in performing arts; and contributed to fostering friendship, peace, and respect for cultural diversity, in line with the principles of cultural diplomacy that Viet Nam steadfastly pursues.

At the Closing Ceremony, the organisers honoured two excellent productions: “Which Night Is Tonight” by the Zhanhua Yugu Opera (Shandong, China), and “The Man Who Wore Rubber Sandals” by the Viet Nam National Drama Theatre.

Six gold medals and four silver medals were also presented to the Best Productions.

In addition, the organisers awarded 39 gold medals and 52 silver medals to outstanding performers at the festival.