Overwhelmed with emotion by "Land of Steel"

The program evoked strong emotions in both the audience and professionals as the Cu Chi Tunnels were recreated.

To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam People's Army (December 22, 1944 - December 22, 2024), and in anticipation of the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of Southern Vietnam and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025), and the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of Cu Chi (April 29, 1975 - April 29, 2025), the People's Committee of Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City, has developed a historical and traditional experience stage program titled "Land of Steel".

The acting is very realistic.

Following two successful performances, the historical and traditional theatrical program "Land of Steel," directed by Le Quy Duong, will officially begin regular performances from December 22nd at the Cu Chi District Traditional House. The program offers a unique and meaningful experience of traditional history, promising to be a cultural and tourism product that will attract locals and tourists alike whenever they visit the resilient land of Cu Chi.

A scene from the TV show "Land of Steel"

To truly capture the heroic spirit of the soldiers and people of the "land of steel" in the story's setting, director Le Quy Duong organized an audition with over 100 extras and selected over 20 who had never acted before. After more than 20 days of training, they stepped onto the stage barefoot, immersing themselves in the characters' lives as they felt them. In this way, they captivated the audience – sharing their laughter and tears, and becoming immersed in the meaningful story of the family of Mother Tam Ranh – a Vietnamese Heroic Mother from the "land of steel".

The script "Land of Steel" revolves around the life of Heroic Vietnamese Mother Nguyen Thi Ranh, who lost eight sons and two grandsons in the resistance wars. Despite the grief and loss, she bravely overcame her sorrow to contribute to the national liberation struggle. The program portrays the lives, struggles, and sacrifices of the ordinary, simple people in the "land of steel" of Cu Chi, while also reflecting the courageous and resilient spirit of the soldiers and people there.

"I wiped away tears many times, especially while rewatching the story of Mrs. Tam Ranh's family who sacrificed themselves for the common cause of the entire nation. The actors performed wonderfully; they evoked deep emotions in the audience with their very realistic and down-to-earth performances," expressed Meritorious Artist Ca Le Hong.

Following the viewers all the way home.

The impressive performances were strung together against a backdrop of traditional Vietnamese music, including the "Four Great Laments" and "Nam Ai," accompanied by the emotionally charged sound of the zither. Director Le Quy Duong's staging techniques conveyed the most genuine emotions to the audience, making viewers feel as if they were immersed in the atmosphere of the Cu Chi Tunnels, where the noble examples of heroes such as Nguyen Thi Ne - the leader of the Cu Chi Women's Guerrilla Team, Pham Van Coi, To Van Duc - the young male and female guerrillas, and even the soldiers of Uncle Ho's Army from the North who fought on the Cu Chi battlefield, gently followed the viewers all the way home.

Author and director Le Quy Duong confided: "I shed tears while reading the documents about Cu Chi. The great sacrifices and contributions of the army and people of Cu Chi during the two sacred wars of resistance against France and the United States have gloriously contributed to the cause of national liberation and reunification."

Director Le Quy Duong employed creative staging techniques, creating an impressive atmosphere with scenes that give viewers the feeling of witnessing real historical events unfolding before their eyes.

The "Land of Steel" program is not only a work of art but also a tourism product with historical value. The program, with English subtitles for international audiences, lasts 90 minutes and includes both sightseeing and stage experiences.

The "Land of Steel" project was directed by the People's Committee of Cu Chi District to create a cultural and artistic space to serve tourists, while simultaneously promoting traditional education and connecting historical tourism activities in the district. The program received support from the Ho Chi Minh City Command, the Cu Chi Tunnels Historical Site, and director Le Quy Duong's stage, resulting in a truly outstanding artistic product.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/dat-dao-cam-xuc-voi-dat-thep-196241216201213202.htm