Free Cải Lương Performance of 'Khách sạn Hào Hoa' on April 30th

In a vibrant display of cultural celebration, Ho Chi Minh City is offering a wealth of free artistic performances to mark the upcoming April 30th holiday, commemorating the reunification of Vietnam. A highlight among these events is the free performance of the renowned cải lương play, "Khách sạn Hào Hoa" (The Glorious Hotel), on April 30th.

This revolutionary cải lương piece, adapted from Vũ Kim's "Khách sạn Caravelle," tells the gripping story of Saigon's special forces during the war. Originally staged by the celebrated Đoàn cải lương Sài Gòn 2 and directed by NSND Huỳnh Nga, the play was a massive hit, with sold-out shows. Its revival by the Trần Hữu Trang Theatre in 2023 aims to introduce this significant piece of revolutionary art to a new generation of performers and audiences.

The inspiration for "Khách sạn Hào Hoa" comes from the real-life bravery of Saigon's special forces in the 1964 attack on the Caravelle Hotel. The central character, Hiếu, a female undercover operative, must infiltrate enemy lines by posing as a cabaret singer to plant explosives. The original production featured a memorable performance by Nghệ sĩ Mỹ Châu as Hiếu, a role now being taken up by talented young artists like Võ Minh Lâm and Thu Vân in the new staging.

Beyond "Khách sạn Hào Hoa," the city is also presenting "Thanh gươm và bà mẹ" (The Sword and the Mother) by the Trần Hữu Trang Theatre on April 30th. This drama, penned by poet Phan Vũ and directed by Trần Ngọc Giàu, explores a family's struggles across decades of war and peace, focusing on a mother's plight with one son fighting for the revolution and the other on the opposing side.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, the Phú Thọ Rạp xiếc (Circus and Multipurpose Performance Venue) will host a free opening day program on April 30th and May 1st, featuring a diverse mix of music, dance, circus acts, and puppetry. This initiative, aligned with the directives of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports, aims to make the arts accessible to all citizens during this important national holiday. These events collectively underscore the enduring spirit of Vietnamese arts and culture, particularly its role in commemorating historical milestones.