Matilda the Musical to hit the stage

The project Vietnamese version is directed by Nguyen Hoang Tung. He also wrote a new script for the musical, based on the 1988 children’s novel of the same name by Roald Dahl.

The musical’s narrative centres on Matilda, a five-year-old girl with the gift of telekinesis, who loves reading, overcomes obstacles caused by her family 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 Nguyen and choir director Nguyen Hai Yen.

The performance stars students from different schools in Hanoi, and none of them have acting experience. They have practised for six months and now feel confident on the stage.

Head of the project, Hoang Thu Huong, said the artists are also parents who want to educate their children.

“For us, the project is challenging but interesting,” she said. “We require the actors 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 creative combination of different arts and brings much emotion for the audience.”

The project started last year. The organisers were inspired by the Matilda Musical performed by British students. It was adapted by Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin. Since 2010, the musical has received widespread critical acclaim and box-office popularity, winning many awards.

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 different troupes.