When will there be a stage writing class?

Author Tran Dang Nhan indignantly said that 10 years ago, the Ho Chi Minh City College of Culture and Arts proposed to organize a screenwriting training class in the city. However, the requirement from the authorities and the school was that there must be 3 teachers who have completed a master's degree in screenwriting before they can open a major. Since then, the Ho Chi Minh City College of Culture and Arts and the Ho Chi Minh City University of Theater and Cinema have not been able to open a screenwriting class.

A scene from the play “Extramarital Love” by author Le Thu Hanh being performed at the Small Stage Drama Theater in Ho Chi Minh City

According to People's Artist Tran Minh Ngoc, during the meeting of alumni and teachers of the School of Stage Arts II (now the University of Theatre and Cinema in Ho Chi Minh City), more than 200 famous artists and directors gathered but there was a lack of stage writers. He wondered: Where are the city's professional playwrights? The Stage Writers Association, instead of being happy to have 30 writers specializing in this field, was sad. Because, over the years, although the Ho Chi Minh City Theatre Association has opened many training courses for young writers, the short training period has not solved the current difficult problem: The lack of young creative forces with profession, qualifications and knowledge.

Author Tran Van Hung raised concerns that currently, most artists and directors also work as scriptwriters. Of the 12 socialized theaters operating in Ho Chi Minh City, most use scripts from this force.

"It will be difficult to open professional writing classes at schools that require a sufficient number of masters and doctors. Because the authors who are qualified to teach the profession in the city are currently all devoted to writing and do not have time to study for a master's degree. Therefore, if we continue to be rigid with this regulation, the city will never be able to open professional screenwriting classes," Mr. Hung frankly said.

According to experts, the team of professional authors in Ho Chi Minh City is currently ready to impart knowledge. However, due to the above regulations, they do not have the opportunity to stand on the podium at formal training schools. As a result, the human resources in the creative field are eroded or "stillborn" due to inexperience and lack of mentors.

To solve this difficult problem, we cannot wait for a meeting of the Theatre Authors Association, but need the relevant authorities to get involved soon.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/bao-gio-moi-co-lop-bien-kich-san-khau-1962408022005392.htm