Since its beginning in 2003, the Saigon Players theater club has attracted a cross section of people, who are interested in developing English– language theater in Vietnam. The friendly group of amateur theater lovers welcomes anybody who wants to contribute - whether it is in writing, directing, stage-managing, make-up, choreography or acting. Many who have joined just to improve their English communication skills have been inspired to express themselves artistically.
Saigon Players members come from all over the world and many of them have a strong theater background, but the whole idea of the club is to give anyone a chance to “tread the boards.” There’s a strong contingent from the UK, Vietnam, the US and Canada with Holland, Italy, France, Germany and Australia also represented. It also serves as a regular venue for a bit of nostalgia between the expats.
Charity is a core value of the group, as nobody gets paid and all the money raised from the box office goes to a worthy cause. It builds the members’ community awareness.
So far, they have provided a fresh water well in the Mekong area, purchased bicycles for children in Thu Duc District to ride to school, sponsored a child in need of a heart operation, helped to buy basic school needs for impoverished children and the list goes on.
Sharing the language
Club Nights are usually the first Wednesday of the month, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at District 1’s La Habana Club. These mini-workshops for members explore their theatrical skills and knowledge, with team warm-ups, theater games, group work, scene rehearsals and discussions on possible productions, but most importantly they serve as a forum for like-minded people to meet.
How do you choose appropriate plays for Vietnamese culture while retaining the charm of the English language? It’s not easy, but Saigon players get it done. Most of the scripts so far have been brief comedy and pantomime to cater to foreigners’ and Saigonese’s taste. From “An Inspector Calls,” and “Little Red Riding Hood,” to “A Dog’s Life,” “Miss-ed Saigon,” “Carousel,” “Beauty and the Beast” or “Monty Python Does Saigon,” the Saigon Players have done a good job of keeping theater-lovers on their toes.
“We improve with each play. In the Saigon players, everyone’s friends like a big family,” said Huong Thu, one of the Vietnamese tenderfoots.
Saigon Players’ members also collaborate with other cultural and art groups to put on events like the Broadway musical “Annie Get Your Gun” together with the HCMC International Choir, and HCMC Symphony Orchestra and Ballet which opens today at Hung Dao Theater.
Kim Davis, who co-directed “Monty Python Does Saigon,” is head of year three and four at the British International School. She said, “The Saigon Players bring me back to the thrilling feeling of being on stage. I am happy to meet many wonderful friends here.”
Reported by Kim |
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