Steel Land tells a moving story of sacrifice and courage among soldiers and residents of Củ Chi during Việt Nam's struggles for independence and reunification. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — A Vietnamese art troupe performed a theatre production at BRICS Theatre Festival in India from October 12-14.

The show, entitled Đất Thép (Steel Land), was one of 11 productions from nine countries – Russia, South Africa, Iran, Ethiopia, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, Thailand, Việt Nam and host India. 

The three-day cultural extravaganza featured artists, scholars, and performers under the theme Shared Stories, Shared Futures, celebrating the diversity of performance traditions, contemporary theatrical practices, and shared cultural values. 

The festival was part of a series of events hosted by India during its 2026 BRICS presidency. 

Penned and directed by popular director Lê Quý Dương, Đất Thép is narrated by the soul of an American who died at Đồng Dù base battle. Admiring the resilient will and sacrifices of the Củ Chi people, the soul stays on to learn more about the lands and its people.

Củ Chi, located northwest of HCM City, is best known for its extensive underground tunnel network, which served as a strategic base for Vietnamese revolutionary forces during the wars against France and the US.

Đất Thép tells of the life of Vietnamese Heroic Mother Nguyễn Thị Rành. Her eight children and two grandchildren died in the national resistance wars against French and American forces.

"Through theatre, we hope Indian and international audiences at the festival will gain a deeper understanding of Việt Nam’s history, culture and spirit," said Võ Minh Thanh, head of the art troupe.

"Although each country has its own history and identity, people everywhere share common values , including love for their homeland, family bonds, compassion and the desire for peace.

"For us, taking part in the festival is not simply about presenting a Vietnamese stage production, but also an opportunity for cultural dialogue.”

The work impressed audiences at the Shriram Centre for Performing Arts, part of the National School of Drama.

From the Shriram Centre, Khushi Verma said the performance helped her learn more about Việt Nam.

"I had previously visited the Củ Chi Tunnels, so watching the performance brought back memories," she said.

"I believe this is an effective way to convey a message, not only educating young Indians but also helping them gain a deeper understanding of geopolitics and world history.”

She noted that Việt Nam and India share historical similarities and both experienced colonial rule fostering empathy among many Indians for the Vietnamese people and their history.

At the festival, the Vietnamese troupe participated in interactive workshops and roundtable discussions. These sessions explore artistic vision, acting methodologies, lighting techniques, and stagecraft. Through these exchanges, practitioners establish professional networks and plan future joint cross-border productions. — VNS