“The Wise Minister” – Portraying the famous general Nguyen Cuu Dam through the opera stage

On the afternoon of September 30, the Ho Chi Minh City Opera Theatre organized a performance to report to the City Arts Council of the opera Hien Than, a new work honoring the talented general Nguyen Cuu Dam - who made many great contributions to the expansion and preservation of the Southern territory during the Nguyen Lords' reign.

The opera "Hien Than" praises the talented general Nguyen Cuu Dam and heroic generals in the history of the struggle to build and defend the country. Photo: THUY BINH

The work was written by Le Cong Phuong; directed by Thanh Binh, Bao Chau, and Ngoc Giau; People's Artist Tran Ngoc Giau as art advisor and general director; Meritorious Artist Nguyen Hoang Vinh as art director.

Set in the historical period of 1768 - 1772 under the reign of Lord Nguyen Phuc Thuan, Hien Than recreates the scene of Dang Trong in danger of foreign invasion from the South when the Siamese army invaded Ha Tien. Faced with the urgent situation, Lord Nguyen appointed Commander Nguyen Cuu Dam as the Imperial Envoy to command the battle, together with Cai Ba Tran Phuoc Thanh to take responsibility for repelling the Siamese invaders and protecting the border.

Talented generals under the Nguyen Dynasty pledged to put their lives on the battlefield to fight off foreign invaders, protect the country's borders, and stabilize the southern region. Photo: THUY BINH

The play focuses on portraying the military talent, virtue and strategic thinking of the famous general Nguyen Cuu Dam - who was not only good at using troops but also had a broad vision of national defense and development of the Southern region. After the victory, he built Ban Bich rampart and Ma Truong Ruot Ngua canal, contributing to turning Gia Dinh into a solid citadel and a solid outpost of Dang Trong.

The sacrifice of some talented generals was both a pain and a great motivation, fueling the patriotism and determination to drive out foreign invaders and protect Gia Dinh citadel of the generals who shared the same aspirations. Photo: THUY BINH

With the play Hien Than , the Ho Chi Minh City Opera Theatre hopes to convey to the public a beautiful story in the historical flow of building and defending the country. Thereby, contributing to nurturing national pride in every Vietnamese citizen, especially the people of Ho Chi Minh City - those who are living, studying and working in the ancient land of Gia Dinh.

The play features Meritorious Artist Linh Phuoc, artists Ha Tri Nhon, Thanh Binh, Dong Ho, Chau Thanh Mong, Minh Khuong, Bao Chau, Hoang Ha, Hoang Duy...

The play is expected to be performed many times from October to December 2025.

THUY BINH

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/hien-than-khac-hoa-danh-tuong-nguyen-cuu-dam-qua-san-khau-hat-boi-post815662.html