artLIVE – ‘Ảo quan’, a contemporary musical written and directed by artist Chinh Ba, takes audiences on an emotional journey that gently touches the most fragile corners of human existence – love, loss, and understanding.
“Is love alone ever enough?” That question lingered in my mind throughout Ảo quan — the contemporary musical written and directed by artist Chinh Ba. The performance also features an impressive cast, including People’s Artist Mỹ Uyên, along with Hồ Hoàng Ngọc, Trần Tuấn Kiệt, Trần Đại Chính, and several promising young talents.
Mental health is often considered a challenging theme to portray, yet Chinh Ba and his creative team boldly bring audiences a thoughtfully crafted production – one that reflects their deep dedication and commitment to the art form, from its concept to every detail of the staging.
An open stage and a multi-sensory experience
In the intimate theater space, the audience seats are arranged in a U-shape surrounding the stage. This setup offers spectators a multi-dimensional view, allowing each person to observe and interpret the performance from their own unique perspective.
From video projections and live orchestral music to sound design, dance, and singing — every element blends seamlessly to form a rich, multi-sensory experience. The harmonious interplay among these components enhances one another, creating a complete and emotionally resonant expression of the work’s meaning.
Ảo quan invites the audience to listen to the emotions within themselves. Although the opening scene depicts the excruciating separation of two mothers who have lost their children — their love, their pride, “their everything” — the performance guides viewers deep into the characters’ inner lives, fostering empathy and a sense of compassion.
When pain is told through the language of the body
The musical genre is inherently “sparse in words,” requiring performers to convey emotions through physical expression. Every fluid movement, synchronized seamlessly with the music and powerful, heartfelt singing, acts as a catalyst that allows the audience to deeply feel the heart-wrenching pain. The entire theater falls silent, immersed in the inner torment of the mothers — grappling with the sudden, unexplained loss of their children — alongside the relentless judgments and disputes of the public.
What struck me most was the young man’s eyes, always carrying a profound sadness. Moist with unshed tears, they seemed barred by an invisible wall, preventing the truest voice of his heart from flowing freely across his cheeks – a raw, inner emotion trapped and unable to be spoken.
Interspersed with the performance, the actors also interact with the audience, making everyone feel like a part of the story.
The 80-minute musical Ảo quan is the result of three months of intensive rehearsals and preparation by the entire team. When the curtain falls, they truly deserve the long, heartfelt applause and warm admiration from the audience.
Is love alone ever enough?
Surely, everyone who watches Ảo quan will have their own reflections. For me, Ảo quan is not just about love — it is also a journey of seeking to understand and to be understood — something that, at times, love alone cannot accomplish. The musical conveys a fragile yet powerful sense of hope, supporting unsettled souls to pause, reflect, and once again choose to embrace life.
What about you? Watch Ảo quan and find your own answer. The musical still has performances at 8:00 PM on November 8, 14, 15, and 16, and at 2:00 PM on November 16 at the Small Stage Theater (Nhà hát kịch Sân khấu Nhỏ) – 5B Võ Văn Tần, Xuân Hòa Ward, Ho Chi Minh City.
Photo: Nhà Hát Kịch Sân Khấu Nhỏ
