Literature and art with unprecedented opportunities

Technology opens up unprecedented opportunities for Vietnamese literature and arts, from creative spaces to reaching global audiences.

From online literature, digital films, virtual stages to interactive art forms using artificial intelligence (AI), AR, VR, etc., technology becomes an extension of artists' emotions and thoughts.

Open creative space

Some movies have applied AI to actors' performances; many stage plays have used advanced technology and script writing techniques. ChatGPT has also supported authors to access and synthesize professional information to help the process of writing outlines faster and more scientifically .

According to Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Thi Minh Thai, Department of Theory and Criticism - Vietnam Stage Artists Association, technology cannot replace artists, but it forces artists to change their approach, from storytellers to experience creators. With the dynamic team of artists in Ho Chi Minh City today, it is necessary to soon have training courses and update technology in the creative stage to help make artistic products more and more attractive.

Director Quoc Thao - a long-time associate with socialized theater - said: " Digital technology helps us reach audiences who are not sitting in theaters. Therefore, the content and presentation must also change. We cannot use the old way of telling stories on a new platform. Technology is not for decoration, but for creative material."

The plays that attract audiences at Quoc Thao Stage today are thanks to technology in stage design, bringing new forms of staging, such as: "Na Tra makes a mess in the water palace", "Deep night", "Thunderstorm"... Thien Dang Stage has also created all conditions for young directors to bring technology into staging, creating attraction for audiences through plays: "Where the end begins", "Adventure into the kingdom of souls"...

A scene from the play “Adventure into the Kingdom of Souls” on Thien Dang Stage

Opportunity to "export culture"

In the trend of globalization, technology helps Vietnamese art access the international market more easily than ever. If utilized properly, this is an opportunity to "export culture" in the unique artistic language of the Vietnamese people.

Associate Professor, Dr. Tran Yen Chi, University of Theater and Cinema, Ho Chi Minh City, commented: "Vietnamese literature and art can completely spread to the world if we know how to position ourselves based on national cultural identity."

If in the past, the concept of integration was often associated with the import and export of goods, signing trade agreements, etc., now, cultural and artistic values, lifestyles, creativity, etc. have also become an equally important "soft front". Many cultural experts believe that integration is an opportunity to establish an attractive image of Vietnamese literature and art in the eyes of international friends.

Director Nguyen Quang Dung commented: "On stage or screen, identity is the factor that makes international audiences curious. But to make them remember for a long time, we need to elevate the story with techniques, staging thinking and world-class performance. Integration is opening the door for others to see our own uniqueness."

According to experts, Vietnamese culture has thousands of years of history. From traditional arts such as cải lương, chèo, tuong to contemporary fine arts and music, all have the potential to become “brands” if introduced in a language suitable for the international audience.

In reality, many Vietnamese art projects have been introduced to the world but have only stopped at the level of exchange, not creating a widespread effect. The reason lies in the lack of long-term strategy, lack of professional team in communication, copyright and target market.

In the context of integration, a country's cultural identity is very important. If we lose our identity, we will fade away; if we maintain our identity without innovation, we will easily become stereotyped and outdated. Therefore, we need a "dual" mindset: preserving core values and creating new forms.

People's Artist Ha The Dung, former Principal of the Ho Chi Minh City Dance School, emphasized the role of training. "Today's generation of artists must not only dance beautifully or act well, but also know how to handle technology and design multimedia performance spaces. There needs to be an art curriculum that integrates technology to train artists in the digital age," he suggested.

Professor Nguyen Xuan Tien, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Association, said: "Art and technology should not be separated. However, that combination is only sustainable when artists are properly invested in both knowledge and tools."

Technology opens up unprecedented opportunities for literature and art, from creative spaces to reaching a global audience. However, along with that comes a difficult problem: How to be modern without being assimilated? How to innovate while still preserving the national spirit?

Architect Nguyen Truong Luu, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Literature and Arts Associations, emphasized: "Artists must be clearly aware of their responsibility as creators, as "digital citizens" - those who create cultural identity in the new era. Artists must adapt, preserve and spread Vietnamese values in the language of the times."

Many insiders believe that to define Vietnamese culture and art in the context of integration, both the individual efforts of artists and a national strategy are needed. In particular, a system of production and promotion support, a cultural investment fund, an international connection network, etc. are indispensable factors.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/van-hoc-nghe-thuat-voi-co-hoi-chua-tung-co-196250810220946646.htm