Searching funds

Curtains: Members of the 5B Voõ Vaên Taàn Theatre perform a scene from the play Caùnh Ñoàng Baát Taän. — File Photo

HCM CITY — Several projects to build new theatres and art performance venues in HCM City remain on paper due to a lack of funds.

A modern circus theatre in District 11 was intended to be built in 2002 at a cost of VNÑ400 billion (US$19 million). Plans included a stage that could be elevated or lowered, allowing it to be used for circuses, music performances, and fashion shows.

“We’ve waited for the new theatre, which the city’s authorities promised us several years ago,” said Nguyeãn Trí Tröôûng, deputy director of HCM City Circus Troupe.

Founded in 1986, the theatre has moved several times, from Leä Thanh Theatre to Lam Sôn Swimming Pool, both in District 5, and then to an area near Ñaàm Sen Park in District 11 and later to the city’s Botanical and Zoological Garden.

The Troupe recently invested VNÑ500 million ($23,800) to upgrade its canvas tent theatre that is now located in the September 23 Park.

Another big project was a symphony and opera performance venue, which would cost four times that of the District 11’s circus theatre. It would be built in the Thuû Thieâm New Urban Town in District 2.

“An international competition will be organised to select the best design for the symphony and opera theatre,” said Nguyeãn Thaønh Rum, director of the city’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Department.

However, over a year has passed and no competition has been organised.

The HCM City Symphony and Opera Theatre currently gives monthly performances at the city’s Opera House.

A sum of nearly VNÑ70 billion has been put aside by the city’s People’s Committee to rebuild Höng Ñaïo Theatre, the venue for caûi löông (reformed theatre) performance of Traàn Höõu Trang Troupe.

The theatre, which was in a decrepit state, was dismantled last year.

As the construction of the new theatre has not started, the site is now a low-budget beer shop attracting noisy crowds every night.

“If we get money from the city, the reconstruction of Höng Ñaïo Theatre will start in February 2012,” Nguyeãn Vaên Hoàng, deputy director of Traàn Höõu Trang Troupe, said.

Shows put on by the Troupe are organised in different theatres in the city. Hoàng said his troupe was losing its audience.

HCM City authorities have also planned to upgrade the Small Drama Theatre at 5B Voõ Vaên Taàn Street in District 3 and turn it into a major theatrical art centre in the city.

“We, audience members, have been dreaming of attending performances in modern venues,” Nguyeãn Vaên Taøi, a fan of caûi löông, said.

“Projects to build new theatres for the city will help promote more dynamic dramas and art performances,” said Leâ Duy Haïnh, chairman of the city’s Theatre Artists’ Association.

“But a shortage of funds has delayed our projects,” he said. — VNS