Vietnamese contemporary musical theater production 'Ao quan' has won the Special Work Award at the 23rd Daegu International Healing Performance Arts Festival in South Korea. According to Vietnamese People’s Artist My Uyen, this is the production’s first international award.

The festival introduced the Special Work Award this year, specifically to honor the Vietnamese work and to promote cultural exchange between Vietnam and South Korea. The new category sits alongside the usual awards for Outstanding Performance Technique and Outstanding Actor.

‘Ao quan’ blends contemporary dance, singing, spoken drama and installation art, using these forms to reflect a range of social issues and mental‑health challenges. The creators designed the mix to tell the stories of two mothers and their children while highlighting broader societal concerns.

Festival organizers praised the production for its innovative combination of theatrical forms and its humanistic message about mental health, as reported by My Uyen. Their approval underscores the show's impact on both art and public awareness.

Through the performance, the creative team says it wants to sound the alarm on mental health, urging individuals and society to take the issue seriously. The award therefore highlights how Vietnamese theater can gain international recognition while promoting vital health conversations.