artLIVE – On October 8th, the contemporary musical project Ảo Quan officially premiered, marking a collaboration between the Small Stage Theatre – Ho Chi Minh City Theatre Association and Theatre.
‘Ảo Quan’ – The pain of departure, the longing of those left behind
The musical ‘Ảo Quan’, written and directed by artist Chinh Ba, is considered a daring experiment, combining spoken theatre, music, physical performance, video art, installation art and even scent, creating a multi-layered stage that stimulates the audience’s senses.
Inspired by the psychological phenomenon of apophenia, ‘Ảo Quan’ begins with the sudden departure of two young men, setting off a series of tragedies interwoven with loss, confusion, and the desperate search for answers by their mothers.
Amid the grief of losing a child, they must also bear the weight of public scrutiny, endless debates, and inner turmoil, questioning whether they inadvertently contributed to the tragedy.
The emotional tension reaches its peak as they confront other family members, whose own spirits are fractured, struggling to mend bonds amid unnamable fractures.
‘Ảo Quan’ does not follow a linear narrative. Instead, it is structured as a series of emotional fragments, inviting the audience not only to observe but also to actively connect and interpret the story.
Through the interplay of sound, light, and movement, the production evokes profound reflections on life, loss, and the human journey of recovery after trauma.
The musical’s premiere featured People’s Artist My Uyen, singer Ho Hoang Ngoc, actor Tran Dai Chinh, child actor Dao Minh Khang, alongside young performers Quang Phuc Toan, Mai Thien Quy, Tran Tuan Kiet, Thien Tuong, Phat Do, Tong Lien, Hua Manh Dung, and Vu Thien Bao.
According to People’s Artist My Uyen, who has been involved with the project from the beginning, what moved her most was the young cast’s dedication: “Watching them rehearse brought me to tears. They worked tirelessly, fully committing themselves even when the director’s demands were very challenging.”
Director Chinh Ba shared, “I don’t want to create a play that is hard to understand. I only hope the audience feels seen and heard.” For him, ‘Ảo Quan’ is not just a performance but a space for artists and audiences to engage in dialogue and listen to themselves.
Actor Tuan Kiet’s guiding words, “I am not dancing, yet it is still dance, and the audience must feel the emotion through it” may sound paradoxical but perfectly capture the essence of the work.
For the young cast, ‘Ảo Quan’ is also a journey of learning and self-discovery. Actor Tran Tuan Kiet reflected: “Previously, I only acted, but here I sing, dance, and fully inhabit the character. It is a completely new experience for me.”
‘Ảo Quan’ – A wake up call on mental health
The project aims not only at art enthusiasts but also seeks to engage the broader community. On the occasion of World Mental Health Day (October 10th), it delivers a message of empathy, sharing, and healing.
‘Ảo Quan’ is supported by ICS – a center promoting the rights of the LGBTI+ community in Vietnam, adding social depth to the production.
Alongside five main performances on November 7, 8, 14, 15, and 16 at 5B Theatre, the project also hosts satellite activities including talks, workshops, and exchanges to broaden the dialogue on mental health, family, and community.
The “Speak Out – Open Hearts” series runs throughout October and early November, connecting art with mental health narratives. It begins with the talk “Speak Out – Can We Talk?” on October 11, continues with “Open Hearts – Stories” from Life on October 25, followed by the workshop “Writing and Performing – Scripts for Understanding” on November 1, exploring emotional expression through theatrical language, and concludes with an Artist Talk on November 9, providing a dialogue between the cast of ‘Ảo Quan’ and the audience.
All activities are free and supported by psychologists, parents, and LGBTI+ representatives, aiming to foster empathy and raise positive awareness of mental health.
According to psychological advisor Phan Thuong Yen, the project’s value lies in connecting art with mental wellness: “The challenge with mental health is its invisibility; it cannot be seen directly or located. It can reduce our productivity, our capacity to love and care for others, and even our ability to care for ourselves…”
‘Ảo Quan’ can be likened to a play of light – small yet unwavering, infiltrating the deepest corners of the soul. Beyond the boundaries of tragedy, it offers those left behind a path to continue living, understanding and self-healing.
In its gentle stillness, ‘Ảo Quan’ conveys fragile yet powerful hope, supporting vulnerable souls to pause, reflect, and once again choose life.
Photo: Small Stage Theatre
