HCM CITY — An exhibition marking the Mậu Thân Offensive in Spring 1968 opened last weekend at the Union of Literature and Arts Associations in HCM City.  

The event is part of the city’s cultural and social activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the offensive against the American and Sai Gon forces. It features five works by young artists from universities and art clubs.

Featured works are Kết Nối Lịch Sử Mậu Thân (History of Mậu Thân Offensive) and Bản Hùng Ca Xuân Mậu Thân (Epic of Mậu Thân Offensive in Spring 1968), both of which use photos and paintings.

The productions are created by artists from Văn Lang University and the HCM City University of Fine Arts. 

The showcase runs through February at 81 Trần Quốc Thảo Street in District 3.

A national writing contest on the Mậu Thân Offensive, also launched by the union, encourages young and veteran writers in literature, theatre and film to write about Vietnamese soldiers and people involved in the historic event. 

The organisers hope the contest will help younger generations learn more about the country’s history and assess the impact of military conflicts on their own.

The best works will be published in newspapers and books after the awards ceremony in late February. 

Theatre

Two theatre works on the Mậu Thân Offensive funded by the union will be staged this weekend. 

The drama Châu Về Hợp Phố (Reunion), which will be performed by the Hồng Vân Drama Troupe, features Vietnamese soldiers during and after the Mậu Thân Offensive and true stories about the war.

The play veteran actors Thanh Thủy, Đức Thịnh, Trịnh Kim Chi and Hồng Vân, graduates of the HCM City University of Cinematography and Theatre.

“I have asked my actors to read many books and watch documentaries about the offensive by both Vietnamese and foreign filmmakers. I wanted our production to be lively and to help young audiences learn about war and peace,” said the play’s director, Meritorious Artist Trần Minh Ngọc.

Bức Chân Dung Huyền Thoại (Portrait of a Legend), a cải lương (reformed opera) play, will be staged by Trần Hữu Trang Theatre. The play portrays Vietnamese liberation fighters in the battle at Tân Sơn Nhất Airport in 1968, depicting their bravery and patriotism. 

Young actors Lê Tứ and Vân Hằng play leading roles.  

The play will be staged on Thursday at Trần Hữu Trang Theatre at 136 Trần Hưng Đạo Street in District 1, while Châu Về Hợp Phố will be staged on Wednesday at the Military Theatre in Tân Bình District.

Both will be performed for free at local universities and colleges. — VNS