Vietnamese and South Korean artists join hands on a musical dedicated to Uncle Ho
The musical Café Banh Mi revolves around the indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese people during the August Revolution of 1945.
THE HANOI TIMES — Inspired by Vietnam’s revolutionary past, the musical Café Banh Mi brings to life the spirit of President Ho Chi Minh and the patriotic Vietnamese people through a joint production by the Vietnam Drama Theater, Metaforce Vietnam, and South Korean artists.
The musical, staged in celebration of the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day (September 2, 1945–2025), aims to promote Vietnamese culture, people, and history, while fostering artistic exchange and cooperation between Vietnam and South Korea.
The musical Café Banh Mi is dedicated to President Ho Chi Minh. Photo courtesy of the Vietnam Drama Theater.
Artistic director Park Hyun Woo said that the project aims to depict the magnitude of President Ho Chi Minh, a highly revered national hero. Rarely is a leader called "Uncle" by the people, a term used to address family members.
In the musical, his spirit and ideology unite the nation, as expressed through each character. They are the unsung heroes. This is also why he chose Café Banh Mi for the musical - two extremely popular specialties closely associated with the lives of Vietnamese people today. Café and banh mi are metaphors for the Vietnamese people.
The musical realistically depicts Vietnam during the painful, famine-filled war years and praises the patriotic people.
Director Cho Joon Hui (center) and Art director Park Hyun Woo (right) share about the musical. Photo courtesy of Vietnam Drama Theater
Despite facing countless difficulties and hardships, the Vietnamese people firmly believed in victory and were determined not to submit to any oppression from the enemy. Their indomitable spirit during the August Revolution of 1945 nobly exemplified patriotism and solidarity. This struggle for independence and freedom affirmed the Vietnamese people's unbreakable will to achieve national liberation.
At the briefing on July 9, Kieu Minh Hieu, Director of the Vietnam Drama Theater and Meritorious Artist, said that the musical is expected to premiere in the capital on August 15 and then be introduced in France, Korea, and Japan.
According to Hieu, President Ho Chi Minh was a great leader who left a deep mark on Vietnamese history. His image, ideology, and moral example will forever live in the hearts of generations of Vietnamese people and friends around the world. Therefore, showing gratitude to him is an honor and the mission of those working in the arts.
