HCM CITY— The heroic stories of revolutionaries who fought the French colonialists in the south before 1940 will be presented in a  cải lương (reformed drama) play to mark the National Day (September 2) this year.

The historic play will be staged at the HCM City Opera House by young artists of the Hà Nội-based Việt Nam Cải Lương Theatre on Friday.

Hừng Đông (Breaking Dawn) highlights the revolutionary life of Phan Đăng Lưu, a communist and patriot who dedicated his life to national independence.

It also includes the stories of Lưu’s comrades Nguyễn Văn Cừ, Đào Duy Anh and Hà Huy Tập. All these heroes played important roles in preparations for establishing the Vietnamese Communist Party in 1930.

Lưu, who was caught and sentenced to death by the French colonial regime in 1941, is remembered to this day by grateful Vietnamese citizens. Many streets, schools and parks around the country are named after him.   

Directed by Meritorious Artist Triệu Trung Kiên,  Hừng Đông features young talents who will present new styles in performing cai luong.

"Through my performances, I have gained valuable insights into love for the country and have enormous respect for national heroes and soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the people’s peace and happiness," said actor Quang Khải, who plays Lưu.

Khải said he and fellow artists have been practicing their singing and dance routines for hours each day to provide theatre fans "a great show with strong and melodic voices as well as appealing and powerful stage presence”.

Hừng Đông, first staged early this year in Hà Nội, has left a very strong impression on audiences.   

Director Kiên said he has invited veteran designers to participate in making costumes.

The play will be staged at 8pm for two nights, September 1-2, at the Opera House, 7 Lam Sơn Square in District 1.—VNS