Ms. Dang Thuy Tram 'returns' to Khanh Cuong

Special show

On the night of August 23, 2025, provincial leaders and a large number of people gathered at Khanh Cuong Commune Stadium ( Quang Ngai Province) to watch the play Dang Thuy Tram. The work was written by writer Nguyen Quang Vinh, edited and directed by Meritorious Artist Pham Huy Thuc, with the participation of artists from the University of Theater and Cinema, Ho Chi Minh City.

The program is a meaningful activity to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, National Day September 2, and to commemorate the 55th anniversary of the death of martyr - doctor Dang Thuy Tram.

Chị Đặng Thùy Trâm ‘về lại’ Khánh Cường- Ảnh 1. — Leaders and people sit in the rain to watch the play Dang Thuy Tram

The opening scene featured a familiar excerpt from her diary: "Dear mother! If one day I fall, please don't cry! Please be proud of your daughter who sacrificed for the Fatherland...", making the entire audience silent. Next, the scene of the field hospital amidst bombs and bullets was recreated, depicting the portrait of a resilient female doctor, dedicated to treating wounded soldiers on the brink of life and death.

For young actress Mi Le, the role of Doctor Dang Thuy Tram is a memorable milestone in her career. This role gives her a very special experience when she has the opportunity to recreate a slice of the war in the history of the nation.

In particular, this is also the life of a young female doctor on the front line, the true and profound voice of an entire generation that devoted their youth to national independence.

Chị Đặng Thùy Trâm ‘về lại’ Khánh Cường- Ảnh 2. — Director Pham Huy Thuc (left) and actress Mi Le perform in heavy rain

"I live in peacetime and no matter how I imagine, I cannot have the same emotions as the aunts and uncles during wartime. During the process of playing the role, I watched and read many documents, including 3 diaries of Ms. Dang Thuy Tram to understand and get material to cultivate for the role. I was lucky when the director let me meet and talk with the aunts and uncles who were witnesses related to Ms. Dang Thuy Tram. They shared and gave detailed instructions so that I could complete the role of Dang Thuy Tram. When I saw the emotional faces, the hugs and tears, I knew I had done it...", Mi Le emotionally confided.

As the play was reaching its climax, dark clouds covered the sky. A cold wind blew. The leaders of Khanh Cuong commune sent cadres to buy and distribute a thin raincoat to each audience member. Then it started to rain. The rain gradually became heavier but the audience still watched attentively, the artists were engrossed in performing on stage.

"Hearing that there was a group of artists performing the play Dang Thuy Tram, I took my wife to see it. The play was so good. My wife, I, and the neighbors sat and watched it even though it was raining heavily...", Mr. Huynh Minh Hai (in Khanh Cuong commune) shared.

Director Pham Huy Thuc also took on a role in this play. For him, this was an extremely emotional night. Because, he fulfilled his dream of performing the play in the countryside where Ms. Tram lived, fought and devoted her youth. The play is a tribute to Ms. Dang Thuy Tram and the people of this place and the previous generation who fought, devoted and were willing to sacrifice themselves for the country to be independent as it is today.

Chị Đặng Thùy Trâm ‘về lại’ Khánh Cường- Ảnh 3. — The actors' costumes were soaked with rain, but they still performed to entertain the audience.

"It started to rain. All the teachers, students, and actors decided that if it was a light rain, they would still perform normally. If it had been a light rain, the show would have been beautiful. Unfortunately, it was a heavy rain, but the audience still sat and watched. That had an impact on the artist's thoughts, feelings, and heart, and was unforgettable. However, the rain got heavier and heavier, and the microphone could no longer be used, so we had to stop. We agreed to hold the play Dang Thuy Tram here on the night of July 1, 2026, on the occasion of the 1st anniversary of Khanh Cuong commune's establishment...", said director Pham Huy Thuc.

Unforgettable love

Mrs. Ta Thi Ninh (Dr. Dang Thuy Tram's sworn sister) came to see the play, wiping away tears that mixed with the rain. 55 years have passed, she still misses the heroine.

Admiring Tram’s resilience and dedication to her patients, Ninh applied to attend a combat nursing course. Tram gave her a hammock, a parachute, and some medical equipment used to treat cadres and civilians. She always kept these mementos carefully and then donated them to the Women’s Museum after the diary was published.

Chị Đặng Thùy Trâm ‘về lại’ Khánh Cường- Ảnh 4. — Ms. Ta Thi Ninh (right, sworn sister of doctor Dang Thuy Tram) burns incense to pay respect to the female hero.

When hearing the news of Tram's sacrifice, her family and many others were shocked and saddened. At mealtimes, Ninh's mother scooped up another bowl of rice "to feed Tram so she won't starve." On the 15th and 1st of the lunar month, her family and neighbors burned incense in memory of her. "Even though she sacrificed, I and many others still remember her dear image...", Ninh choked up.

In addition to organizing the play performance, the Duc Pho Association in Ho Chi Minh City, in coordination with related units, also organized free medical examinations and medicine for 800 people in Khanh Cuong Commune and Duc Pho Ward (Quang Ngai); and visited and presented gifts to 6 heroic Vietnamese Mothers. The total cost for the activities was 500 million VND, from contributions from units and benefactors.

"We are the children of Khanh Cuong, always remembering the contributions of the previous generation. Supporting the play to be performed in our homeland is a way of gratitude and a wish for the younger generation to understand and appreciate more the memories associated with Dr. Dang Thuy Tram and this land...", Mr. Bui Van Nam, General Director of Union Trading Investment Joint Stock Company (main sponsor) expressed.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/chi-dang-thuy-tram-ve-lai-khanh-cuong-185250824151245872.htm