"Banh Mi Cafe" - Portraying the national liberation revolution in musical language

To celebrate the 80th anniversary of the successful August Revolution (August 19, 1945 - August 19, 2025) and the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (September 2, 1945 - September 2, 2025), on the evening of August 15, the Vietnam Drama Theater coordinated with Metaforce Vietnam Company to organize the performance of the musical "Banh Mi Cafe".

This is a work performed to promote cultural exchange and cooperation between Vietnam and Korea, contributing to bringing to the public plays with good and truly meaningful messages.

The musical was created and staged by a team of Korean artists, including: Original scriptwriter, Seo Sang Wan - co-author of the Vietnamese adaptation, Le Trinh; director Cho Joon Hui - co-director with People's Artist Hoang Lam Tung; stage designer Lim Chung IL; music director Seo Sang Wan; art director Park Hyun Woo, and the creative team of artists from the Vietnam Drama Theater.

Image from the musical "Cafe Banh Mi"

Sharing the reason for making this work, director Cho Joon Hui - Professor, Doctor of Dongguk University said: "If Korea has the great man Baekbeom Kim Gu, then Vietnam has President Ho Chi Minh . He maintained a persistent revolutionary spirit, set an example of an honest leader, and is forever engraved in the hearts of the people. His principles of national independence and autonomy can be said to be an important standard for Korea and Vietnam today to look back on history and orient the future. I hope that "Cafe Banh Mi" will become a cultural bridge to help connect the two countries on the occasion of both countries celebrating the 80th anniversary of Independence Day".

Director of the Vietnam Drama Theater, Meritorious Artist Kieu Minh Hieu, expressed: "The musical Cafe Banh Mi is a very special project, prepared by artists of the Vietnam Drama Theater and leading Korean theater experts for a long time with all their enthusiasm and dedication. I am confident that the work will bring the audience deep emotions and unforgettable echoes."

Image from the musical "Cafe Banh Mi"

The musical "Cafe Banh Mi" has a realistic social context about Vietnam in the years before the August Revolution, the lives of hungry and miserable people, and praises the spirit of patriotic people, including the great contribution of the petty bourgeoisie.

Under the enlightenment and leadership of the Party, headed by President Ho Chi Minh, they devoted not only money but also sacrificed their lives to join the resistance and the revolution, thereby contributing to the victory of the General Uprising, smashing the colonial and feudal domination, taking power into the hands of the people and giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.

Image from the musical "Cafe Banh Mi"

The character representing the petty bourgeoisie in this work is based on a real historical figure. Despite facing countless difficulties and hardships, the Vietnamese people still maintain their faith in victory - that is the strength of unity of the entire Vietnamese nation.

Artistic director Park Hyun Woo shared: "Vietnam has ignited a passion in me, inspired me with all my heart and opened up new challenges. Through the musical "Banh Mi Cafe", I hope we will not forget the history of the struggle for independence, record the losses that should not be repeated, thereby nurturing passionate patriotism and moving towards a better future. I hope that "Banh Mi Cafe" will be remembered and recalled in the hearts of future generations."

Image from the musical "Cafe Banh Mi"

At the premiere, the musical not only impressed the audience with its elaborate staging and emotional story, but also left a deep impression on them.

Nguyen Lan Anh ( Hanoi ) shared: "After watching the play, I was really moved. Although there was no image of President Ho Chi Minh appearing directly on stage, he was still present in each story and each character. The story was both familiar and touching, making me feel like I was reliving the heroic atmosphere of the days before the August Revolution. I believe that "Cafe Banh Mi" is not only an entertaining musical but also a vivid history lesson, arousing national pride and the spirit of Vietnamese solidarity."

The show attracted a large audience.

With a smooth combination of performing arts and historical messages, "Banh Mi Cafe" is not only a meaningful spiritual gift to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day September 2, but also a bridge connecting Vietnamese and Korean cultures. The work has left in the hearts of viewers pride, respect for history and the aspiration to build a better future../.

Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/cafe-banh-mi-khac-hoa-cuoc-cach-mang-giai-phong-dan-toc-bang-ngon-ngu-nhac-kich-20250815232847894.htm