The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has announced plans to bring a variety of shows to the Hanoi Opera House to help small drama troupes, and attract more audiences to the theatre.

Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Vuong Duy Bien

Deputy Minister Vuong Duy Bien said the plan aimed to preserve traditional arts. Asides from diversifying the shows at the opera house to attract both domestic and foreign audiences, this is also a chance for artists to communicate and show off their talents and introduce Vietnam's traditional arts to the world.

Head of the Department of Performing Arts Nguyen Dang Chuong said the ministry's plan had encouraged many artists as more people would have chance to perform at one of Vietnam's biggest stage without worrying about the costs. Ticket sales will be managed by the ministry and managers of Hanoi Opera House.

"The ministry will open the door to everyone, no matter if they are in private or state-owned troupes, as long as their works are of high quality," he said.

Nguyen Minh Thai from Hanoi National University and a stage critic at Vietnam Stage Artists Association approved of minister Nguyen Ngoc Thien's plan, saying that this strategy would help to solve the "audience crisis". According to her, artists would not have to worry so much about the finances and could concentrate on creating more high-quality works.

"The theatres now will focus on the quality of the shows and the ministry should set up a board to assess and evaluate the shows," she said.

Starting this late August, 12 theatre groups under the management of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will perform first at Hanoi Opera House. The shows will be held on Vietnam National Day on September 2. From 2017, high-quality shows will be held regularly on the weekends.

The first show is a special concert at 8pm on August 30 by Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra. On the next day is a play based on the novel of Chu Lai. At 8pm on September 1 is when music and Cheo excerpts will be held.

Various plays will be held in September followed by puppet shows in October. Ballet and western plays will be held in December.