Hanoi Expanded Theater Festival 2026 officially opens

The 2026 Hanoi Expanded Theater Festival officially opened on October 14 at the Cong Nhan Theater. Under the theme ‘Converging theatrical values, spreading the artistic creativity of the Capital,’ the biennial event features 15 art units presenting 15 performances across six genres: Tuong, Cheo, Cai Luong, spoken drama, circus, and folk singing.

To increase public accessibility in the digital age, the festival has distributed over 10,000 free tickets. Organizers emphasized the need for innovation in staging, promotion, and audience connection—particularly for younger generations—while maintaining the core identity of traditional arts. This initiative aligns with national resolutions regarding digital transformation and cultural development.

Pham Tuan Long, Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, stated that Hanoi aims to build a civilized and modern capital where culture serves as an endogenous resource and a driver for sustainable development. The festival runs until October 23.