The talented actors of the event

Life’s So Drama, founded in 2014, is the first and only drama club of Hanoi - Amsterdam High school for the Gifted. After nearly ten years operating, Life’s So Drama has been asserting its presence more and more, helping kindle many young people’s interest in theatrical arts. The club aims at spreading the valuable meaning of dramatic arts among students of Hanoi - Amsterdam High school for the Gifted, as well as the general youth.

A remarkable opening performance by Glee Phan Dinh Phung

After many years of hosting, from 2016 with the theme “Frollo” - which took inspiration from the novel “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”, to “Split” (2018) - which portrayed the reality of Northern Vietnam during the semi-feudal colonialism days, to “Catastrophe” (2019), “Illusion” (2020), and “Chimera” (2022) - a play taking place in the 90s, now, Life’s So Drama has marked its comeback with “When It Gets Windy” -  a play with a light-hearted but meaningful message, showing the harsh reality of life but filled with emotions shared between strangers.

Actor Hoang Viet and actress Ha Tram

The event was prepared by all the members of the organizing board, with 6 months of painstaking practice. The play lasted nearly 2 hours, bringing the peaceful atmosphere of the "calm before the storm". It told the story of the youth of characters with unique personalities: Truc An, Ha Tram, Hoang Viet, Minh Vu, and Tra Giang. Each of them, despite the different backgrounds and dreams, have all chosen their path regardless of hardships and challenges. The waves of life have given them experiences that helped them mature and find each of their own happiness. They all are people seeking the right path, for joy and success, and the play depicts a portion of that long journey.

Actor Huynh Van Dung immersed in his role

“When It Gets Windy” evoked a range of emotions in the audience. There was glee, there was sadness, but above all, viewers were content with the play’s realistic and fulfilling ending. At the end of the show, artist Phung Tien Minh shared a few thoughts:

“I could feel the seriousness and thoughtfulness that the students put into artistic labor. Despite their young age, “When It Gets Windy” has showcased a strong and straight-forward view of youth that I, myself, along with all the parents here, have experienced. Like the message of the play, I believe that young people should always try their best, with passion and talent, their future selves would definitely flourish! Congratulations to On Stage 2023!”

The On Stage 2023 organizing board after the show

“On Stage 2023: When It Gets Windy” has encountered amazing success and received great attention from the youth. Through the play, Life’s So Drama has also successfully spread the love for dramatic art, as well as delivered a humane message: live your life to the fullest with your passion and ambitions, in order to realize your dreams. The Ams Wide Web Editorial board hopes Life’s So Drama will continue sharing its love for theatrical arts to many young people in the future.

Translator: Lê Quỳnh Anh - English 1 ('23 - '26)

Photos: Organizers of On Stage 2023

Author: Nguyễn Trần Nguyên Hà - Literature ('22 - '25)