The project Vietnamese version is directed by Nguyen Hoang Tung. He also wrotea new script for the musical, based on the 1988 children’s novel of thesame name by Roald Dahl.
The musical’s narrative centres on Matilda, a five-year-old girl with the giftof telekinesis, who loves reading, overcomes obstacles caused by herfamily and school and helps her teacher reclaim her life.
The English-language musical also features composer Nguyen Nhat Minh,choreographers Nguyen Ngoc Tram and Nguyen Duc Sang, vocal trainer Hien Nguyenand choir director Nguyen Hai Yen.
The performance stars students from different schools in Hanoi, and none ofthem have acting experience. They have practised for six months and now feelconfident on the stage.
Head of the project, Hoang Thu Huong, said the artists are also parents whowant to educate their children.
“For us, the project is challenging but interesting,” she said. “We require theactors participating in the musical to act, sing, dance and speak English.”
“We chose to make a musical because it’s a special work of art, a creativecombination of different arts and brings much emotion for the audience.”
The project started last year. The organisers were inspired by the MatildaMusical performed by British students. It was adapted by DennisKelly, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin. Since 2010, the musical hasreceived widespread critical acclaim and box-office popularity, winning manyawards.
The show will take place on July 24-25 at the Tuoi Tre (Youth)Theatre, 11 Ngo Thi Nham street, Hanoi with the participation of two differenttroupes.-VNS/VNA