Play on Mau Than Offensive to be staged in HCMC

A play on the Mau Than Offensive (or Tet Offensive) in Spring 1968 will be staged by Hong Van Drama Troupe, one of Ho Chi Minh City’s leading private drama troupes, this month.

The 60-minute play, Chau Ve Hop Pho (Reunion), features Vietnamese soldiers and their stories during and after the Mau Than Offensive, which occurred during the American war.

It portrays Chau and his wife, Pho, both Sai Gon residents. Chau moves to the north to join North Vietnamese People’s Army of Vietnam (VPA), and Pho works as a secret agent in Sai Gon.

Both meet in the battle of Sai Gon in January, when VPA soldiers and members of the People’s Liberation Armed Forces of South Vietnam attacked the U.S. Embassy in Sai Gon.

The play is also based on true stories that took place during the war.

Actress Trinh Kim Chi, owner and theatre director of the TKC Drama Club, performs in Chau Ve Hop Pho (Reunion), a new play on the Mau Than Offensive 1968 which will be released on December 27^th. (Photo courtesy of the organiser)

“I asked my actors to research books and documents on the Mau Than Offensive,” said the play’s Director, Meritorious Artist Tran Minh Ngoc.

Ngoc, who has more than 50 years in the industry, spent more than five months on the script.

“To prepare for my work, I watched documentaries on the offensive by both Vietnamese and foreign filmmakers. I wanted my production to be lively and to help young audiences learn valuable things about war and peace,” said the 80-year-old.

Ngoc invited talented actors Thanh Thuy, Duc Thinh, Trinh Kim Chi and Hong Van, graduates of the HCM City University of Cinematography and Theatre, to play leading roles.

"My colleagues and I have learned as much about the country’s history and how Vietnamese generations have fought for independence,” said actress Trinh Kim Chi, who plays Pho.

“For me, playing in a historical drama is about research also. During my performance, I discovered stories and facts about the war. Through my role, I hope my fans learn something about the value of the peaceful life we have today,” she added.

Chau Ve Hop Pho is part of a cultural programme celebrating the 50^th anniversary of Mau Than Offensive 1968, funded by the HCM City government.

The play will be staged on December 27^th at the Army Theatre in Tan Binh District. It will also be staged for free for students in 20 universities and colleges next year./.

VNF/VNS