Telling the story of Dien Bien Phu through circus art

This is a special creation of the Vietnam Circus Federation to bring a valuable and meaningful program to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Dien Bien Phu Victory (May 7, 1954 - May 7, 2024), to pay tribute to the previous generation, and at the same time bring the audience to enjoy eye-catching and interesting circus performances.

The program recreates the Dien Bien Phu Campaign through many attractive circus scenes.

Launched on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of Dien Bien Phu Victory, “Living Forever with Dien Bien” is not only a circus art program but also a work for artists to express their gratitude to previous generations who sacrificed their blood and bones for the independence and freedom of the nation, especially those who participated in “Nine years of Dien Bien/Forming a red wreath, creating a golden history”.

“Living Forever with Dien Bien” written and directed by People's Artist Tong Toan Thang, with the participation of 60 artists, recreates the historic campaign 70 years ago with heroic and tragic tones.

“The circular stage at the Central Circus will be transformed into a large diorama depicting the entire Dien Bien Phu Victory. From the audience’s perspective, the circus stage looks like a miniature valley. The audience can both watch and interact, immersing themselves in the spirit of determination to fight and win in a 3D space,” People’s Artist Tong Toan Thang shared.

The 90-minute program takes the audience through 7 scenes: "Heroic Northwest", "Long March", "Pet-raising Call", "On Him Lam Hill", "Be Van Dan Lives Forever", "Liberating Dien Bien", "Living Forever with Dien Bien", inspired by famous songs about the Dien Bien Phu Campaign.

The program has the participation of artists from many circus genres, along with singers, dancers..., displaying circus genres such as bicycle stacking, acrobatics, juggling, group poles, pole vaulting, male figures, leather ropes, pole climbing, net vaulting, group springboards, tightrope balancing and animal circus acts...

According to People's Artist Tong Toan Thang, many scenes were elaborately and grandly staged by the crew, depicting the atmosphere of determination of our army and people, carrying ammunition, pulling artillery, and food into the battlefield. There were moments that moved the audience, such as the performance depicting the image of hero To Vinh Dien using his body to block artillery from drifting down the cliff... The program ended with the scene of Dien Bien soldiers standing in the shape of a bamboo forest, in front of which were people dancing and cheering for victory.

For many years now, in addition to the comprehensive circus program and planned performances, the Vietnam Circus Federation has organized many historical art programs, aiming at the country's major holidays and anniversaries, such as the program "Going with the years" to celebrate the annual War Invalids and Martyrs Day; the programs " Hanoi and you", "Hanoi in my heart" to celebrate the Capital Liberation Day; especially the program "Living forever with Dien Bien" to celebrate the Dien Bien Phu Victory...

People's Artist Tong Toan Thang, Director of the Vietnam Circus Federation, shared that the unit wishes to bring to the audience circus programs that are both artistic and historical, thereby expressing gratitude to the previous generation, whileeducating the tradition of "When drinking water, remember its source", arousing patriotism in young artists and young audiences.

Participating in the performance of the circus acts and scenes in the program “Living forever with Dien Bien”, artist Bui Hai Quan shared: “We - the young generation today are very proud of our ability to participate in recreating the glorious victory of our ancestors 70 years ago. Transforming into the image of the brave and courageous Dien Bien soldiers of the past, I myself also feel excited and moved, feeling more deeply the hardships and difficulties of the soldiers of the past to create a great victory for the nation”.

People's Artist Tong Toan Thang added that the program "Living Forever with Dien Bien" and other historical circus art programs are built to serve long-term audiences, especially students.

Immediately after the entire program is performed, the Vietnam Circus Federation will separate the scenes to perform in between programs for children or bring them to schools, to help children have an interesting, attractive, and impressive approach to historical events.

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