Vietnamese Theatre Week Opens in Paris
The international event showcases traditional puppetry and contemporary performance art at venues across Paris.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Puppetry
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Vietnamese Theatre Week brings a diverse lineup of cultural performances to Paris, France, highlighted by the debut of Truong Ba's Soul in the Butcher's Body. The program runs through the end of October and features five major Vietnamese theatrical institutions.
Why it matters
The festival seeks to establish a stronger Vietnamese theatre identity on the global stage while fostering long-term international artistic cooperation. It provides a platform for integrating traditional practices like water puppetry with modern dance techniques.
Five distinct Vietnamese theatrical institutions are collaborating to present this week-long event. The program includes a variety of performances ranging from traditional water puppetry to contemporary dance.
The players
Théâtre Marigny
This historic venue serves as the primary stage for performances during the Vietnamese Theatre Week in Paris.
Ho Guom Theatre
Located in Ha Noi, this institution serves as a central hub for producing and showcasing modern Vietnamese theatrical works.
The details
The production Truong Ba's Soul in the Butcher's Body utilizes a single actor who relies on physical expression and body language to convey complex internal character conflicts. The week-long schedule incorporates seminars and cultural activities held across multiple locations in the French capital.
Timeline
Vietnamese Theatre Week runs from October 24 to October 31, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This event mirrors global efforts to increase the visibility of non-Western performing arts within established European cultural hubs. It signals a shift toward collaborative international programming that bridges the gap between centuries-old traditions and contemporary performance art.
Theatergoers in Paris can attend various performances and cultural seminars at multiple venues throughout the city until October 31. Those interested in the specific production of Truong Ba's Soul in the Butcher's Body can find performance schedules at the Théâtre Marigny.
The takeaway
The integration of traditional and contemporary art forms offers a unique perspective on storytelling through physical performance. Attendees are encouraged to explore the seminars provided throughout the week to gain deeper context on the evolution of Vietnamese theater.
Further reading
Discover more about international artistic traditions in our Puppetry section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Nhan Dan Online.
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