Building Children's Confidence Through Art and Theatre

For the first time in Vietnam, pantomime will be introduced to Vietnamese young audiences through the play Beauty and the Beast.

For Gen Alpha (born from 2010 to 2024), with the abundant access to living and learning conditions today, confidence is not only the key to help children overcome challenges in life but also the driving force that motivates children to dream and act to turn their dreams into reality. A confident child will dare to explore the world around them without fear of failure, easily make friends and build positive social relationships. Moreover, children will know how to stand up after each fall, seeing mistakes as lessons to continue to improve themselves. Therefore, nurturing confidence from an early age is an important stepping stone, helping children grow up with a solid foundation in psychology and life skills.

Therefore, building children's confidence and creating a positive environment is extremely important. Timely compliments not only help children feel recognized but also limit their inferiority complex when they are not compared to others. However, in the modern context, encouraging children to experience new things, such as participating in sports, arts or social activities... will help children discover their own potential and interests. In particular, parents' companionship and listening play an important role in helping children approach new experiences to increase their confidence.

With a combination of comedy, music, dance and fun interactive episodes, pantomime attracts children with its liveliness and humor.

Sports help children practice patience, learn teamwork skills and feel the joy of achievement. Social activities expand relationships and create opportunities for children to learn how to integrate into the community. Creative arts help children express their personalities and encourage confidence through self-expression. These activities not only help children perfect their skills but also create a foundation for them to confidently step out into the world. A rich experience not only helps children practice skills but also prepares them for any activity, thereby helping them confidently express their abilities and strengths.

Pantomime and the art of nurturing children's confidence  

Pantomime is considered a typical representative of the British cultural arts because it combines unique elements of performing arts, entertainment and folk traditions, creating a special type of theater. Pantomime originated in the 16th-17th centuries, with influences from classical Italian theater forms (commedia dell'arte) but was transformed to suit British culture and aesthetic taste. Pantomime is characterized by humor, improvisation and direct interaction between actors and audience. This reflects the fun and community, which are traditional British values. Pantomime often reenacts famous fairy tales but is stylized with modern, witty storytelling, and sometimes incorporates social issues.

With these characteristics, pantomime is a great tool to help children develop self-confidence. Different from traditional theater forms, pantomime not only tells stories but also invites the audience to participate directly, thereby giving children the opportunity to freely express their emotions in a fun and safe environment. Through interacting with actors and other audiences, children practice communication skills, learn to listen and respond flexibly. Moreover, the feeling of being a part of the story helps children experience small but meaningful achievements, thereby realizing their self-worth and increasing their self-confidence.

With subtle body language and acting ability, the artists turned the stage into a vivid fairy tale.

The pantomime performance of Beauty and the Beast (Vietnamese title: Beauty and the Beast ) taking place in Vietnam not only brings laughter to children but also teaches lessons about courage, love and change. This play is staged by a crew from the UK, including director Paul Winterford, female lead Charlotte Castle as Belle, Tom Liggins as the beast, Michael Auger (champion of British's Got Talent 2014) as Gaston... and the music comes from international artists.

Ms. Do Thu Giang, representative of AMO Vietnam - the organizer of the show, said that with its interactive nature and unique combination of music and acting, the pantomime musical form is opening a new direction for performing arts in Vietnam. In the context of modern families seeking cultural experiences that connect, pantomime has great potential for strong development. The first pioneering appearance like Beauty and the Beast can be an important stepping stone, creating the premise for a wider acceptance by Vietnamese audiences in the future, meeting the increasingly diverse tastes of the public.

Panto Beauty and the Beast (Vietnamese title: Beauty and the Beast ) just took place at Hoa Binh Theater (HCMC) from December 6 to 8 and will continue at the Vietnam-Soviet Friendship Cultural Palace (Hanoi) from December 13 to 17.

Ticket prices range from 650,000 VND - 1,500,000 VND. Audiences can buy tickets at https://amovietnam.vn/pantomines-beauty-and-the-beast/

Children 1 meter or taller require a separate seat ticket and under 16 years old are required to be accompanied by a guardian, adult or relative.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/xay-dung-su-tu-tin-cho-con-tre-qua-nghe-thuat-va-san-khau-185241208225058438.htm