HCM City (VNA) - A play on the Mau Than Offensive (or TetOffensive) in Spring 1968 will be staged by Hong Van Drama Troupe, one of HCMCity’s leading private drama troupes, this month.  

The 60-minute play, Chau Ve Hop Pho (Reunion), features Vietnamesesoldiers and their stories during and after the Mau Than Offensive, which occurredduring the American war in Vietnam.

It portrays Chau and his wife, Pho, both Saigon residents. Chau moves to thenorth to join North Vietnam People’s Army (VPA), and Pho works as a secretagent in Saigon.
   
Both meet in the battle of Saigon in January, when VPA soldiers and members ofthe People’s Liberation Armed Forces of South Vietnam attacked the USEmbassy in Saigon.

The play is also based on true stories that took place during the war.

“I asked my actors to research books and documents on the Mau Than Offensive,”said the play’s director, Meritorious Artist Tran Minh Ngoc.

Ngoc, who has more than 50 years in the industry, spent more than five monthson the script.

“To prepare for my work, I watched documentaries on the offensive by bothVietnamese and foreign filmmakers. I wanted my production to be lively and tohelp young audiences learn valuable things about war and peace,” said the80-year-old. 

Ngoc invited talented actors Thanh Thuy, Duc Thinh, Trinh Kim Chi and Hong Van,graduates of the HCM City University of Cinematography and Theatre, to playleading roles. 

"My colleagues and I have learned as much about the country’s history andhow Vietnamese generations have fought for independence,” said actress TrinhKim Chi, who plays Pho.

“For me, playing in a historical drama is about research also. During myperformance, I discovered stories and facts about the war. Through my role, Ihope my fans learn something about the value of the peaceful life we havetoday,” she added.

Chau Ve Hop Pho is part of a cultural programme celebrating the50th anniversary of Mau Than Offensive 1968, funded by the HCM Citygovernment.

The play will be staged on December 27 at the Army Theatre in Tan Binh district.

It will also be staged for free for students in 20 universities and collegesnext year.-VNA