Hanoi (VNA) - For the first time, the image of President Ho Chi Minh and patriotic Vietnamese people from all walks of life has been portrayed on stage in the Café Banh Mi (Coffee and Baguette)- a musical collaborative production between artists from Vietnam and the Republic of Korea (RoK).
The musical, staged in celebration of the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day (September 2, 1945 –2025), aims to promote culture, people and history through the language of theatre while fostering artistic exchange and cooperation between Vietnam and the RoK.
Artistic Director Park Hyun Woo described the project as a tribute to President Ho Chi Minh — a rare leader affectionately called “Uncle Ho” by the people, a term used to address family members. In the musical, his spirit and ideology unite the nation as expressed through each character. They are unsung heroes.
This is also why Park chose Café Banh My for the musical - two extremely popular specialties closely associated with the lives of Vietnamese people today.
The musical reflects the fervent atmosphere leading up to the 1945 August Revolution, capturing the hardships of war and the indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese people.
Set in wartime Vietnam, the production honours the patriotic contributions of citizens — particularly the petite bourgeoisie, who sacrificed wealth and even life for the revolutionary cause.
Despite facing countless difficulties and hardships, the Vietnamese people firmly believed in victory and were determined not to submit to any oppression from the enemy. Their indomitable spirit during the 1945 August Revolution nobly exemplified patriotism and solidarity. This struggle for independence and freedom affirmed the Vietnamese people's unbreakable will to achieve national liberation.
The work brings together a strong creative team from Vietnam and the RoK, including scriptwriter Seo Sang Wan, artistic director Park Hyun Woo, director Cho Joon Hui, stage designer Lim Chung Il, and choreographer Kim Sung Il. Meanwhile, the Vietnamese side sees Director of the Vietnam National Drama Theater (VNDT) - Meritorious Artist Kieu Minh Hieu - and author Le Trinh and musician Tuan Nghia.
Hieu said that the musical will debut in the capital city of Hanoi on August 15 and then be introduced in France, the RoK and Japan.
President Ho Chi Minh was a great leader who left a deep mark on Vietnamese history, Hieu said, adding though the President is gone, his image, ideology, and moral example will forever live in the hearts of generations of Vietnamese people and friends around the world. Therefore, showing gratitude to him is an honour and the mission of those working in the arts.
Alongside musical production Café Banh Mi, the VNDT is developing two heartfelt short plays as part of its commemorative programme titled Bac Ho mot tinh yeu bao la (Uncle Ho – A boundless love), marking the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day.
One of them, Chuyen nha chi Tin (The story of Mrs Tin’s family) recounts President Ho’s New Year’s Eve visit in 1962 to one of Hanoi’s poorest families, reflecting his concern for the well-being of all citizens.
The other, Mien Nam trong trai tim Bac (The South in President Ho’s heart) is set during the resistance war against America, portraying his enduring love for southern compatriots./.
