HCM CITY — Young artists with the HCM City-based Chợ Lon Troupe will enact on a new version of the French musical Notre Dame de Paris starting next week. 

The new Vietnamese version will be produced and directed by Thanh Thuỷ, one of the city’s prominent theatre directors. 

Thuỷ’s play is based on the famous novel by Victor Hugo, set in 15th century Paris. 

Her work uses some elements from the musical Notre Dame de Paris composed by Richard Cocciante with lyrics by Luc Plamondon that debuted in France in 1998. 

Quach Bình will play Archdeacon Frollo, Khal Võ will take role of Quasimodo, while Yến Thanh play the iconic Esmeralda.

Thuỷ said she was confident that  “my version of Notre Dame de Paris will dazzle theatre lovers with its costumes, choreography, music and lights.

“Our young artists will offer the Vietnamese version of Notre Dame de Paris in the southern style. I believe they will make musicals popular among local audiences.” 

The Chợ Lon Drama Troupe was founded in 2020 by People’s Artist Hồng Van, who is also its art director. It has attracted 15 young actors who are graduates of leading art schools in the city, like the HCM City University of Theatre & Cinematography and HCM City University of Culture. 

It has already presented three new plays, including Ngẫm Kiều (Song of Kiều), a musical based on the 18th-century Vietnamese epic poem Truyen Kiều (The Tale of Kiều),  recognised as one of the country’s top literary works. 

Ngẫm Kiều was first staged in late December, 2020 and several times last year. 

“We want to promote and develop love for the theatre among young people, who can learn new things about history, culture and traditional lifestyles through our shows,” said Van, who has 30 years of experience in the industry. 

The Vietnamese version of Notre Dame de Paris will be staged every Sunday starting on April 17 at the Phu Nhuận Cultural House, 70-72 Nguyễn Văn Trỗi Street, Phu Nhuận District. — VNS