To encourage talented youths, only artists under the age of 40 are allowed to take part in the festival this year.

"The regulation is set to give young artists an opportunity to perform on the stage, as well as to ensure that youths have enough opportunities to take main roles," said Vuong Duy Bien, Director of the Art Performances Department under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Director of Vietnam Tuong Theatre Hoang Khiem expressed his approval of this regulation: "The board limits the participating age so that the theatres give main roles for young generation. Even young artists have to strive for promotion in their careers. At the moment, there are many talented youths in the theatre, such as actresses Loc Huyen and Phuong Thanh and actors Dinh Long and Duc Manh."

The jury will grade the artists based on their performances, not based on the quality of the plays.

Two plays that the Vietnam Tuong Theatre will bring to the festival are Son Hau and That Hien Quyen. Son Hau is about fighting for power in an ancient Chinese royal court. That Hien Quyen focuses on describing social ethics through stories shared among members in a family.

The festival, organised by the Arts Performances Department, takes place every two years.