VietNamNet Bridge - After nearly four years’ preparation, “The Missing Woman” drama by Vietnamese writer and director Nguyen Thi Minh Ngoc made its premiere to an audience of hundreds at New York’s West End Theatre on April 7.

“The Missing Woman” is a story of a young Vietnamese couple. The husband is a painter who is too pre-occupied in his work to realise that his wife, a talented actress, is desperately in need of his care and recognition of what she has done for the family. When the wife suddenly leaves her family, the man searches for reasons through talking with the historical and legendary women of Vietnam who he depicts in his paintings.

The mixture of various Vietnamese stage arts in the drama, including cai luong, hat boi, cheo and poetry reciting, received a warm welcome by the US audience. A number of patrons stayed after the performance to thank the Vietnamese artists for helping them get to know more about Vietnamese theatrical arts and women.

“We are thrilled to host the premiere of The Missing Woman at our theatre. It's a rare moment for New York theatre to have a work that shows the beauty and mystery of Vietnamese culture,” Tisa Chang, director of the Pan Asian Repertory Theatre, one of the sponsors for the drama shows, said.

The drama’s cast featured Vietnamese artists Thanh Loc, Hai Phuong, My Hang and other US actors namely Thuc Hanh and Leon. It will continue performances in the West End Theatre through to April 12.

“The Missing Woman” has been performed at various theatrical festivals in Asia Pacific region and throughout the world.

(Source: VNA)