Bringing a Human Portrait of President Ho Chi Minh to the Cai Luong Stage in From Viet Bac to Hanoi

The cai luong production From Viet Bac to Hanoi – the third installment in a stage series adapted from the epic novel Nuoc Non Van Dam by Assoc. Prof. Dr. and writer Nguyen The Ky will officially premiere on the evenings of August 11 and 12, 2025, at the Hanoi Opera House.

 Press meeting announcing the premiere of From Viet Bac to Hanoi (Photo: Nhan Dan)

This special artistic project is presented in celebration of the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and Vietnam’s National Day (September 2, 1945–2025).

Set against the historical backdrop of 1941–1945, the production retraces Nguyen Ai Quoc’s return to Vietnam after three decades abroad in search of a path to national liberation. His homecoming marked a decisive moment, enabling him to directly lead the revolutionary movement toward the historic victory of the August Revolution. On stage, the image of President Ho Chi Minh is portrayed not only as a great leader, but also as a humble, approachable human being deeply connected with the people and his fellow revolutionaries.

Artists of the Vietnam National Traditional Theatre rehearsing ahead of the premiere (Photo: Nhan Dan)

Sharing the creative vision behind the work, playwright Nguyen The Ky explained:
“Our approach is to bring Ho Chi Minh closer to everyday life, without mythologizing him. In his relationships with comrades such as Truong Chinh, Vo Nguyen Giap, Hoang Van Thu, and with the sincere people of the mountainous regions, Uncle Ho appears both noble and deeply human.”

The production is staged by the Vietnam National Traditional Theatre and brings together a distinguished creative team, including People’s Artist Trieu Trung Kien as director; playwright Hoang Song Viet adapting the script for cai luong; People’s Artist Trong Dai as music director; and People’s Artist Doan Bang as art designer. The cast features acclaimed performers such as People’s Artist Manh Hung and Meritorious Artists Quang Khai, Tien Dai, along with Nhu Quynh, Ngan Ha, and others, delivering performances rich in emotional depth.

Actor Van Thuan, who takes on the role of President Ho Chi Minh, shared:
“At first, I felt immense pressure because this is such a significant role. But with encouragement from the director and my colleagues, I devoted myself fully voice, demeanor, and inner spirit to portray the character as truthfully as possible.”

Director Trieu Trung Kien added that the production makes a bold artistic choice:
“We allow Nguyen Ai Quoc – Ho Chi Minh to sing and speak just like the other characters, so he is not placed on a pedestal but remains close to the audience and to history itself.”

With its fresh approach, strong sense of humanity, and commitment to historical authenticity, From Viet Bac to Hanoi promises to leave a lasting artistic impression, reviving a heroic chapter of Vietnam’s past through the expressive language of traditional theatre.