artLIVE – After a year on stage, Giấc mơ Chí Phèo (The Dream of Chi Pheo), with its record number of performances and audiences, has proven the enduring vitality of a vision for a ‘literary concert’. Through the language of contemporary musical theatre, classic literature is reimagined, allowing the production to shape the market while introducing Vietnamese culture to the world.
Giấc mơ Chí Phèo – A record-breaking boost for Vietnamese musical theatre
For years, musical theatre in Viet Nam has remained stuck in its early stages. Most local audiences are still unfamiliar with the genre, while the stage lacks productions capable of creating a true cultural ripple.
Many previous musical projects, despite substantial investment, often ended after only a few experimental performances, struggling to extend their run and even more so to cultivate a consistent theatre-going habit among the public. In that context, Giấc mơ Chí Phèo (The Dream of Chi Pheo) emerged as a rare phenomenon, setting a remarkable milestone with 10 performances and drawing more than 10,000 audience members within a year, nine shows at the Ho Guom Theatre in Ha Noi and one competition performance in Vinh Phuc.
The musical “Giấc mơ Chí Phèo” (The Dream of Chi Pheo) made its debut on December 23, 2024, at Ho Guom Theatre, quickly leaving a strong impression with its musically rich storytelling and a fresh approach to a beloved piece of Vietnamese literature.
These numbers are remarkable not only for such a young market, but also signal that Vietnamese audiences are truly ready to embrace high-quality musical theatre, as long as the work resonates emotionally and meets the standards of contemporary artistry.
A unique artistic imprint called “Giấc mơ Chí Phèo”
“Giấc mơ Chí Phèo” (The Dream of Chi Pheo) is a Broadway-style musical created in the true spirit of “made in Vietnam,” inspired by the iconic short story by writer Nam Cao.
Notably, all roles in the production are performed by Vietnamese actors, with musician Dương Cầm serving as the artistic director. This stands out in contrast to many local musical theatre projects that often feature international guest performers. This choice not only creates a distinct identity but also strikes a deeper chord with Vietnamese audiences, as every gesture, tone, and physical presence carries an unmistakable Vietnamese essence, making the viewing experience more intimate and authentic.
Rather than emphasizing the social tragedies or psychological burdens of individuals under the feudal system, “Giấc mơ Chí Phèo” (The Dream of Chi Pheo) embraces a more lyrical perspective. The musical highlights the simple, rustic love story between Chí Phèo and Thị Nở, celebrating the beauty of sincere affection, a force capable of blossoming even in the darkest corners and pulling people back from despair, no matter how harshly fate has treated them.
The sold-out performances reflect the production’s strong appeal to audiences. More importantly, the creative team boldly transformed an iconic work of Vietnamese literature into the language of Broadway, experimenting with new storytelling techniques that blend music, choreography, sound, lighting, and more, all meticulously crafted to deliver a fully immersive artistic experience.
As a result, “Giấc mơ Chí Phèo” (The Dream of Chi Pheo) transcends the boundaries of a traditional musical. It stands as a milestone affirming the determination of Vietnamese artists to push beyond limitations, while creating a significant breakthrough that moves the country’s musical theatre scene closer to becoming a true, sustainable market.
The Journey of Transforming Literature into Musical Theatre by Musician Dương Cầm
Driven by a deep desire to bring Vietnam’s timeless literary works to life through emotionally rich and dynamic musical theatre, musician Dương Cầm has made “Giấc mơ Chí Phèo” (The Dream of Chi Pheo) the first major milestone in his heartfelt artistic journey.
The production successfully adapts a classic literary work into a modern musical, featuring a young, rigorously trained cast and intricately composed music. Its visually rich and symbolic staging offers audiences an experience that is both contemporary and deeply imbued with Vietnamese identity.
Notably, the 19 songs in the musical were composed by musician Dương Cầm in just five days alongside his band, a testament to his tireless dedication to the art.
This intense creative foundation helped the production quickly establish its unique position, earning eight awards at the 2024 National Singing, Dancing, and Musical Theatre Festival, including Best Performance and Best Composer for Dương Cầm.
However, awards and record-breaking numbers are not the ultimate destination. What makes “Giấc mơ Chí Phèo” (The Dream of Chi Pheo) truly special is the artistic vision of its creative team: a steadfast commitment to shaping a new identity for Vietnamese musical theatre, transforming a genre often seen as “elitist” into something more approachable and accessible to the public.
As such, the production not only leaves a lasting impression on audiences but also marks a new beginning, helping Vietnamese musical theatre “spread its wings” and promoting the richness of Vietnamese culture to the world through the language of art.
From Chi Pheo, the journey of the “literary concert” officially begins. “Giấc mơ Chí Phèo” (The Dream of Chi Pheo) continues to illuminate a new path, expanding the horizons of creativity and audience expectations. This journey will extend further when the production is scheduled to meet audiences in Saigon in 2026.
Photos: Dương Cầm Art
