Telling revolutionary stories through a new "lens"

Along with recreating the bustling atmosphere of a heroic historical period and honoring the image of President Ho Chi Minh , the work is also a vivid symbol of the cultural cooperation relationship between Vietnam and Korea.

Excerpt from the musical "Banh Mi Cafe" by Vietnam Drama Theater in collaboration with Korean artists.

Praising the revolution and Uncle Ho through musicals

As a leading art unit under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Vietnam Drama Theater is determined to mobilize resources to create artistic works, contributing to the celebration of the country's important events, including the musical "Banh Mi Cafe" in cooperation with Metaforce Vietnam Co., Ltd. and Korean artists. According to Meritorious Artist Kieu Minh Hieu, Director of the Vietnam Drama Theater, President Ho Chi Minh is a great leader who has left a deep mark in the history of the Vietnamese people and humanity. Honoring and paying tribute to him and the national liberation revolution is an honor and also the mission of those working in literature, art in general, and theater in particular.

“The joint staging of the musical “Banh Mi Cafe” is a special activity, demonstrating the cooperative relationship between Vietnam and Korea, aiming to spread messages about the culture, people and history of the two countries through images and stage language, thereby enhancing the relationship between the two countries in artistic exchange and cooperation, contributing to bringing to the public plays with good messages, truly meaningful” - Meritorious Artist Kieu Minh Hieu emphasized.

“Banh Mi Cafe” is based on the original script by author Seo Sang Wan with the perfect collaboration of author Le Trinh; directed by Cho Joon Hui and People's Artist Hoang Lam Tung. The musical has a realistic social context of Vietnam during the painful war years and praises the patriotic people. The indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese people during the August Revolution of 1945 is a beautiful expression of patriotism and solidarity, thereby gaining independence and freedom and affirming the indomitable will in the struggle for national liberation of the Vietnamese people.

This is the first time the Vietnamese national liberation revolution and the country's beloved leader are presented through a new lens - the language of musical theater with a creative combination of Vietnamese and Korean artists. "Banh Mi Cafe" is scheduled to be performed on the evening of August 15 at the Star Theater (Hanoi), promising to bring a modern art experience with music , dance and multimedia stage language.

The urge to create art

The theme of revolutionary war and the image of President Ho Chi Minh have always been a source of inspiration and creative passion for Vietnamese artists and art groups. However, this theme becomes more novel, full of exploration and integration when there is the cooperation of a team of Korean artists.

Sharing about the opportunity to create the play, director Cho Joon Hui said that it was the spirit of “nothing is more precious than independence and freedom” - also imbued in Korean history - that inspired him to create this work. During the creative process, he read about Vietnam celebrating its 80th National Day in 2025, and received the script for “Banh Mi Cafe” from author Seo Sang Wan and Artistic Director Park Hyun Woo. He immediately decided to collaborate on bringing the play to the Vietnamese stage in the form of a musical.

Regarding the name of the musical, director Cho Joon Hui explained: “Coffee and bread are famous foods and drinks in Vietnam and I believe they are similar to the people here - simple people but full of patriotism. I was especially moved when I saw people calling President Ho Chi Minh "Uncle" like a family member. Therefore, I wanted to use music to express gratitude, spreading Uncle Ho's spirit through ordinary people, nameless heroes”. The play does not follow the path of depicting a central portrait but spreads the spirit and ideology of President Ho Chi Minh through each character, each slice of life, like a chorus of the people's hearts.

Along with director Cho Joon Hui, scriptwriter Seo Sang Wan shared: “The inspiration for writing this work comes from the admiration for the indomitable will of the Vietnamese people in the struggle for national liberation. This is not only a story of Vietnam but also a journey in search of freedom, something that all people can sympathize with.”

As a traditional drama art unit, producing a musical is a big challenge for the Vietnam Drama Theater. Meritorious Artist Nong Dung Nam, assistant director and also playing a role in the work, shared: “Musicals require artists to sing, perform, dance, and act at the same time - which is not easy for us. But everyone makes an effort, from vocal training, choreography practice to working with international experts. This is a valuable opportunity to learn professional staging methods and approach the international stage.”

It was this spirit of learning and determination to innovate that convinced the Korean partner. Director Cho Joon Hui expressed: “I have great faith in the future of musicals in Vietnam. The artists are talented, sharp and eager to learn. If invested in the right direction, Vietnam can absolutely develop this genre into a new spearhead in the performing arts.”

Not only is it a collaborative art product, “Banh Mi Café” also marks a significant step forward in the journey to bring Vietnamese theater to the world. It is expected that after its premiere in Vietnam, the play will be introduced in France, Korea and Japan... The fact that the Vietnam Drama Theater and other art units dare to try out genres outside their forte shows that the spirit of innovation and creativity is gradually permeating contemporary artistic thinking.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/ke-chuyen-cach-mang-qua-lang-kinh-moi-710609.html