Viet Nam News
HCM CITY — An exhibition marking the Mau Than Offensive in Spring 1968 opened last weekend at the Union of Literature and Arts Associations in HCM City.
The event is part of the city’s cultural and social activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the offensive against the American and Sai Gon forces. It features five works by young artists from universities and art clubs.
Featured works are Ket Noi Lich Su Mau Than (History of Mau Than Offensive) and Ban Hung Ca Xuan Mau Than (Epic of Mau Than Offensive in Spring 1968), both of which use photos and paintings.
The productions are created by artists from Van Lang University and the HCM City University of Fine Arts.
The showcase runs through February at 81 Tran Quoc Thao Street in District 3.
A national writing contest on the Mau Than Offensive, also launched by the union, encourages young and veteran writers in literature, theatre and film to write about Vietnamese soldiers and people involved in the historic event.
The organisers hope the contest will help younger generations learn more about the country’s history and assess the impact of military conflicts on their own.
The best works will be published in newspapers and books after the awards ceremony in late February.
Theatre
Two theatre works on the Mau Than Offensive funded by the union will be staged this weekend.
The drama Chau Ve Hop Pho (Reunion), which will be performed by the Hong Van Drama Troupe, features Vietnamese soldiers during and after the Mau Than Offensive and true stories about the war.
The play veteran actors Thanh Thuy, Duc Thinh, Trinh Kim Chi and Hong Van, graduates of the HCM City University of Cinematography and Theatre.
“I have asked my actors to read many books and watch documentaries about the offensive by both Vietnamese and foreign filmmakers. I wanted our production to be lively and to help young audiences learn about war and peace,” said the play’s director, Meritorious Artist Tran Minh Ngoc.
Buc Chan Dung Huyen Thoai (Portrait of a Legend), a cai luong (reformed opera) play, will be staged by Tran Huu Trang Theatre. The play portrays Vietnamese liberation fighters in the battle at Tan Son Nhat Airport in 1968, depicting their bravery and patriotism.
Young actors Le Tu and Van Hang play leading roles.
The play will be staged on Thursday at Tran Huu Trang Theatre at 136 Tran Hung Dao Street in District 1, while Chau Ve Hop Pho will be staged on Wednesday at the Military Theatre in Tan Binh District.
Both will be performed for free at local universities and colleges. — VNS