In the final days of August, Hanoi is decked out in flags and flowers as the capital gears up for National Day. But alongside its decorated streets, a different kind of festive atmosphere is unfolding on stages, in museums, and at historic sites and cultural venues across the city.
Seven major art programs are being staged in various communes and wards. On September 2, the Hanoi Cheo Theatre will perform at Ba Kieu Temple Flower Garden, while the Hanoi Drama Theatre, Hanoi Cai Luong Theatre and Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre will bring performances to audiences in Phuc Son, Bat Trang and Dai Xuyen.
A series of exhibitions and displays are also being held at the capital’s cultural and historical venues. The program From an Autumn of Independence, which opened at Cau Giay Park on August 19, kicked off the celebrations with songs evoking the atmosphere of the August Revolution and National Day.
One story being retold in an accessible and engaging way is Fierce Childhood, a musical by the Youth Theatre. Directed by Meritorious Artist Le Anh Tuyet and adapted by playwright Bui Hong Que from the novel of the same name by writer Phung Quan, the production is set in Hue during the resistance war against the French.
It follows teenage members of the reconnaissance team of the Tran Cao Van Regiment. Despite living amid bombings and danger, the young characters retain their innocence, their dreams of freedom and their deep patriotism. Through the experiences of these young revolutionaries, the musical portrays a courageous generation of Vietnamese teenagers who were willing to sacrifice for national independence.
Combining musical theatre with acting, music, vocals, choreography and physical theatre, the production seeks to make the story accessible to younger audiences.
Meritorious Artist Le Anh Tuyet said: “We see this as more than a performance to tell history, but to create a theatrical space where history comes alive through the characters, their lives, emotions and choices. Most importantly, we do not want to portray war simply as a picture of battles and sacrifice. Behind every war are real people. When audiences see a friend, a brother or someone their own age, they can understand how, when the country faced challenges, these young people put the interests of the nation and their comrades above their own safety. Their sacrifices were not something distant or abstract. They grew out of very ordinary, very concrete choices made by young people.”
Also celebrating the 81st anniversary of National Day, the Vietnam Circus Federation is telling the story of the nation through Vietnamese Spirit and Pride.
The program traces Vietnam’s history from the era of the Hung Kings and the legend of Lac Long Quan and Au Co to the Đông A spirit of the Tran dynasty and the image of Vietnam today. Through the language and techniques of circus performance, the artists seek not only to recreate historical images but also to evoke emotions about the country and its people.
People’s Artist Tong Toan Thang, Director of the Vietnam Circus Federation, said: “The most distinctive part of the program is the part called ‘The Đông A Spirit’. For the first time, we are using costumes inspired by generals of the Tran dynasty, with performers portraying Tran-era warriors. For the first time on a circus stage, audiences can see generals riding horses and warriors from the Tran dynasty practicing martial arts and showcasing their skills. For the finale, we combine the songs ‘My Home Has a Flag’ and ‘The Essence of Vietnam’, featuring young women in white ao dai and Vietnam’s iconic conical hats. Through the storytelling language of circus, the artists hope to evoke even stronger emotions, including national pride and love for the homeland.”
As theatres bring history to audiences through music, acting and performance, thus museums preserve stories of the nation through documents, photographs and artefacts.
The Vietnam Women’s Museum is presenting a thematic exhibition titled Youth from the Truong Son Trail to the Legendary Route 1C. It takes visitors back to the years of the war against the United States through stories of generations who devoted their youth to independence, peace and national reunification.
Nguyen Thi Tuyet, Director of the Vietnam Women’s Museum, said: “The exhibition seeks to convey a message to young people and to today’s generation that, although the war is now far behind us, these memories need to be remembered and honoured. It reminds us that today’s generation must carry that legacy forward, remain steadfast in this new era of development and work to build an increasingly prosperous and thriving country.”
Alongside the art performances serving residents and visitors, Hanoi will hold a fireworks display at five locations on the evening of September 2, adding to the festive atmosphere marking National Day.
These days, the lights from performance stages, exhibition spaces and cultural activities are not only creating a vibrant celebration across the capital, they are also helping people—especially younger generations—better understand what their predecessors went through and appreciate the value of the independence and peace they enjoy today.
