Dragonfly Theatre Company and SOUL Live Project are proud to present the critically acclaimed, emotionally resonant play “Lovesong”, written by Abi Morgan and directed by Anne-Marie Astley.
“Lovesong” tells the story of one married couple over the course of 40 years, showing the same couple both as newlyweds and at the end of their lives. William and Margaret’s lives entwine with Billy and Maggie’s and reveal a beautiful story of a couple growing and evolving through the inevitable highs and lows of marriage. “Lovesong” was originally devised by Frantic Assembly, a company at the forefront of the British stage that creates “thrilling, energetic and unforgettable theatre” (British Council). They collaborated with red-hot writer Abi Morgan, just coming off two well-received films, “Shame” and “The Iron Lady,” as well as numerous theatre and television credits.
Dragonfly are excited about their first collaboration with the talented Anne-Marie Astley, who has been directing theatre over the last twelve years. She is known for her fiery direction of “Chicago” at the British International School last year, as well as “Blood Brothers” and “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”. This production of Lovesong stars Belinda Smith, Leon Bown, Ilse Zoerb and Kyle Grant. Having been active on stage for most of her life, the well-loved Ms. Smith has performed starring roles in numerous Dragonfly productions, including “The Importance of Being Earnest”, “George’s Marvelous Medicine” and her most famous turn as the Marquise de Merteuil in “Dangerous Liaisons”. Leon Bown, with extensive experience in the UK that includes performing with The Everyman Theatre in Liverpool, is a staple of Dragonfly productions, having starred in “Waiting for Godot”, and “Chalky White Substance” as well as directed last year’s acidly funny “Lawrence and Holloman”.
Ilse Zoerb comes to Vietnam having been trained and tread the boards in Philadelphia, USA. She won the emerging artist award at Philadelphia’s Fringe Arts Festival in 2012 for her solo play “A Brief Cunt-emplation” and developed a growing list of credits as performer, creator and director before coming to Asia. Kyle Grant trained at Saint Cloud State University before plying his trade with Dragonfly in Vietnam. After gaining experience behind the scenes, he gave his debut performance in Tennessee Williams’s riveting one-act “Green Eyes” in 2015. Dragonfly have been developing its brand of high quality, Western-influenced theatre in Ho Chi Minh City for over six years. Dragonfly are passionate about the need for Saigon to have professional, English language theatre. Theatre-going audiences in Saigon have come to expect a high-quality, thrilling experience from Dragonfly Theatre which entertains, challenges and inspires. SOUL Live Project is a performing arts hub aiming to facilitate the growth of the music and the performing arts industry in Vietnam.
The multi-functional venue of SOUL Live Project provides the wider community with a strong selection of programs, including bringing in well-renowned artists from all around the world as well as showcasing the best talent that Vietnam has to offer. SOUL Live Project and Dragonfly Theatre are proud to be able to instigate a new partnership, that aims to prove fruitful to both the arts industry in Ho Chi Minh City and the community at large. “Lovesong” will be performed at SOUL Live Project, 214-216 Pasteur, Ward 6, District 3 in Ho Chi Minh City, May 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th and 28th (Wednesday to Sunday) every night at 7:30 pm. Tickets are VND350,000 in advance and VND400,000 the week of the show and at the door.
Tickets can be purchased electronically at www.soulliveproject.com.vn or physically at Soul Live Project Box Office, 214-216 Pasteur, Ward 6, Dist. 3 and Mekong Merchant, 23 Thao Dien, D2.