Transforming memories into a tribute performance.

Every year on the occasion of the War Invalids and Martyrs Day on July 27th, the stages of Ho Chi Minh City are ablaze with the flames of remembrance.

On July 20th, Quoc Thao Theatre will present "Deep Night" by author and director Quoc Thao. The play commemorates the soldiers who fell for peace and prosperity, while also reflecting the fight against crime by the people's police force to maintain peace and security.

A creative "touch"

The stages of Ho Chi Minh City staged many plays and Cai Luong (traditional Vietnamese opera) performances on July 27th, attracting large audiences. In these performances, gratitude became the artistic material; the sweat of practice became an offering to those who fell for independence, freedom, and happiness; and many wounded soldiers remain a steadfast pillar of support for the younger generation.

People's Artist Tran Minh Ngoc commented: "This is a highly creative 'touch' that the artists of Ho Chi Minh City are diligently preserving and renewing in the art of theater."

Artistic groups such as Hong Van Theatre, Ho Chi Minh City Small Stage Theatre, Quoc Thao Theatre, Trinh Kim Chi Theatre, Hong Hac Theatre, Tran Huu Trang Cai Luong Theatre… have staged commemorative plays for many years on the occasion of the War Invalids and Martyrs Day on July 27th. Works such as: "That Day at the Gate of Heaven," "Two Mothers," "Comrade," "Red Coral," "Love in Wartime," "Warrior," "Homeland's Song," "Aspiration for Peace"… not only commemorate but also recount memories through the language of art.

A scene from the play "Aspiration for Peace" by the Ho Chi Minh City Drama Theatre.

Meritorious Artist Ca Lê Hồng observed: "The theme of wounded soldiers and martyrs - a subject that seemed to exist only in the memories of the past - has been presented in a very new and convincing way by the directors."

Specifically, in the play "That Day at the Heavenly Gate," the director uses the stage space as a layered realm of memories between reality and the past. The scene transitions are not simply changes of backdrops or lighting, but rather, like each breath, evoke the emotions of a veteran in peacetime, confronting loneliness and the fragmented pieces of his memory.

The play "Two Mothers" employs the technique of contrasting imagery. On one side is the mother of a fallen soldier, and on the other is the mother of a soldier who once fought on the other side of the battlefield. The two characters symbolize two different worlds but share the same sorrow of losing a child.

Meanwhile, "Comrade" and "Red Coral" explore political themes with a new perspective. In "Love in Wartime," the director juxtaposes romantic love with love for the country, without presenting them as opposing forces. The play portrays genuine emotions and silent sacrifices of those on the home front, of wives and lovers. "Warrior" and "Homeland Song" lean towards a more rhythmic and modern storytelling style…

"The theme of wounded soldiers and martyrs is never outdated. Today's young artists are contributing to keeping that spirit flowing in the hearts of the public," emphasized People's Artist Tran Minh Ngoc.

It's not just the voice of the past.

Author Nguyen Khang Chien shared about "That Day at the Heavenly Gate": "I wrote this script not to recount the war, but to talk about continuity. The soldiers of yesteryear sacrificed parts of their bodies, but in the eyes of their descendants today, they represent an entire sky. I tried to ensure that each line of dialogue was not only the voice of the past but also a reminder for the present, that peace was bought with blood, bones, and tears."

In the genre of plays with a revolutionary idealistic tone, "Comrade" by author Le Thu Hanh evokes profound emotion. This play – which recently won the B Prize at the Ho Chi Minh City Creative Awards – doesn't exploit images of past battles but focuses on the feelings between soldiers in the current fight against corruption. Author Le Thu Hanh confided: "When writing 'Comrade,' I wanted the audience to see that behind the military uniform are people who are very vulnerable but incredibly courageous. They fight not only with weapons, but also with their hearts."

Many artists assert that revolutionary plays commemorating the Day of War Invalids and Martyrs need more long-term investment. Accordingly, regular performances should be organized at schools, military units, memorial sites, etc., so that the younger generation does not forget those who sacrificed themselves for the Fatherland.

According to experts, the stage is a repository of community memory. During the July commemoration days, artists in Ho Chi Minh City have been transforming memories into performances, emotions into actions, and gratitude into creativity... They are not just performing – they are living with history and conveying a patriotic message from the heart.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/bien-ky-uc-thanh-vo-dien-tri-an-196250717195634866.htm