Marking the 79th anniversary of Wounded Soldiers and Martyrs’ Day (July 27, 1947 - 2026), the production will be played on a special tour across Hanoi and several northern provinces, bringing historical, cultural, and patriotic values closer to the public, particularly younger audiences.
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“Khoang troi con gai” recreates a true story from Dong Loc Junction. |
The play tells the story of Dong Loc Junction, a strategic transportation hub on the Ho Chi Minh Trail that linked North Vietnam with the southern battlefield during the war. Between April and October 1968 alone, the area endured nearly 50,000 bombs, making it one of the most heavily bombed locations in the country. Despite relentless attacks, soldiers, volunteer youths, and local residents remained steadfast in ensuring the flow of transportation.
The legendary site is best known as the place where 10 girls made the ultimate sacrifice on July 24, 1968.
Inspired by the deep connection to his homeland and wartime experiences, poet and journalist Nguyen Si Dai, a native of Ha Tinh province, spent years researching historical records to write the script. The work was later adapted into a folk musical play by People’s Artist Nguyen An Ninh and directed by People’s Artist Le Hung.
“I wrote this play to honor the 10 girls of Dong Loc Junction,” Nguyen Si Dai said. “Everyone involved in the production regards it as something sacred and has devoted themselves to it wholeheartedly. Work created with sincerity and gratitude will touch the audience’s hearts.”
First staged in 2018, the production drew more than 6,000 spectators to the square of the Dong Loc Historic Site. This year’s revival features artistic and technological enhancements under the artistic direction of People’s Artist Hong Luu and Meritorious Artist Ngoc Cam.
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A scene from the production |
The tour will begin on July 19 at Au Co Theater in Hanoi, followed by performances in Hung Yen on July 20, Ninh Binh on July 21, and Lam Son Theatre in Thanh Hoa on July 22.
According to People’s Artist Hong Luu, all characters retain their real-life names. The production faithfully recreates the lives of the young volunteers, from Phu Loc to Dong Loc and the tragic events of July 24, 1968.
The play incorporates the Ha Tinh dialect and traditional folk forms, including vi and giam songs, call-and-response chants, and renowned poems such as “Gui em co thanh nien xung phong” (To a young female volunteer) by Pham Tien Duat and “Cuc oi! (Cuc!) by Yen Thanh.
Child performers aged 9 to 12 also take part in the production, contributing traditional folk melodies that symbolize the enduring vitality of Vietnam’s intangible cultural heritage and the passing of traditions to future generations.
Alongside the symbolic language of traditional theater, the production uses modern LED projection technology to vividly portray the devastation of war. Interactive elements are also incorporated to help younger audiences connect more deeply with the story.
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Organizers introduce the performance tour across northern provinces and cities in celebration of the 79th anniversary of Wounded Soldiers and Martyrs’ Day. |
Kieu Cong Thuoc, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Association for Cultural Industry Development, said the project is not only a tribute to fallen heroes but also part of a broader effort to promote cultural industries and bring regional intangible heritage closer to audiences nationwide.
People’s Artist Hong Luu said, with its blend of authentic history, traditional artistic expression, and contemporary staging techniques, “Khoang troi con gai” aims to deliver a powerful emotional experience, while honoring Vietnam’s fallen heroes and inspiring gratitude, fostering a love for peace, and a sense of responsibility among younger generations.
Translated by Tran Hoai