Series of artistic programs to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Reunification Day

THE HANOI TIMES — An extensive program of large-scale artistic events will be held throughout the country later this month in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the  Reunification Day (April 30, 1975 - 2025).

More than 1,500 artists from 12 theaters will participate in a series of carefully curated performances ranging from music, dance, theater, and circus to symphony, water puppetry, and traditional folk arts. These programs are designed to honor the nation's historical milestone, strengthen national unity  and promote cultural tourism.

One of the main highlights is the Vietnam Circus Federation's program entitled "Vietnam on the Day of Reunification" directed by People's Artist Tong Toan Thang. The 90-minute performance will integrate music, circus acts, and storytelling to depict the journey of a liberation soldier as told by two war veterans. The program will be broadcast live from the Central Circus in Hanoi on April 25 at 8 PM on National Defense Television, with 12 consecutive performances from April 26 to May 4.

The Youth Theater in Hanoi will stage the musical "Fire from the Earth" on April 26 at the Friendship Labor Culture Palace in Hoan Kiem District. The work recounts the revolutionary life of Comrade Nguyen Ngoc Vu, first secretary of the Hanoi City Party Committee, and highlights the perseverance of the capital's citizens during a crucial period.

Two major productions of the Vietnam National Opera and Ballet, "Welcome to Vietnam" and "Reunification Spring", are also putting the finishing touches. "Welcome to Vietnam", which will be performed at the Hanoi Opera House on April 16, combines European ballet with traditional Vietnamese instruments, symbolizing cultural integration and dialogue. Meanwhile, "Spring of Reunification" will take place in Ho Chi Minh City on April 29, with more than 1,000 performers, recreating the atmosphere of the historic Spring Victory in 1975.

Art institutions across the country will also contribute various forms of performance art to the commemoration. The Vietnam Drama Theater in Hanoi will present "May and the President", featuring the acclaimed play "The Man in Rubber Slippers", from April 27 to May 17. The Vietnam Symphony Orchestra in Hanoi, conducted by Japanese conductor Honna Tetsuji, will hold a concert of classical works by Vietnamese and international composers on April 21.

The Vietnam Cheo Theater will perform famous traditional plays such as "Quan Am Thi Kinh", "Magic Budha Neclake", "Sacred Bac Le Temple" both in Hanoi and on tour. The Vietnam Music and Dance Theater in Hanoi will present "Song of Victory", a national concert of symphonic and chamber music, at Au Co Arts Center in Hanoi on April 24.

In support of cultural tourism, the Vietnam Puppet Theater in Hanoi will be performing "Khuc Dong Dao" (Nursery Rhymes) and "Echoes of the Countryside," the latter to be performed at the A Oi Theater on Phu Quoc Island, a strategic move to promote Vietnamese traditional arts in a major tourist destination. According to People's Artist Nguyen Tien Dung, director of the Vietnam Puppet Theater, this effort aims to "bring art closer to daily life and combine culture with sustainable tourism development."

According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, these artistic events will also reflect 50 years of national development, 40 years of comprehensive reform, and Vietnam's integration into the global community. The programs are designed to reach audiences in both urban and remote areas, including ethnic minority communities.

People's Artist Nguyen Xuan Bac, Director of the Department of Performing Arts, affirmed that the carefully staged performances mark a broader strategy to preserve and promote Vietnam's cultural heritage and develop cultural industries.

"These programs make a significant contribution to the dual goals of preserving traditional arts and advancing cultural tourism at the same time," he said.