Ho Chi Minh City inaugurated Phu Tho circus and multi-purpose performance theater

TP.HCM khánh thành rạp xiếc và biểu diễn đa năng Phú Thọ - Ảnh 1. — Phu Tho Circus and Multi-Purpose Performance Theater seen from above - Photo: PHUONG NHI

On the morning of August 19, Phu Tho Circus and Multi-purpose Performance Theater (Phu Tho Ward, Ho Chi Minh City) was officially inaugurated. Attending were Mr. Nguyen Phuoc Loc - Deputy Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, Ms. Tran Thi Dieu Thuy - Vice Chairwoman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee and Mr. Tran The Thuan - Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports .

The project is invested by the Project Management Board for Investment and Construction of Civil and Industrial Works, approved in 2019, and started construction in April 2023, with a total capital of VND 1,395 billion.

The theater has an area of 10,000m², including 2 basements and 12 upper floors, with a total floor area of nearly 29,500m² and a height of 57.5m. The highlight is the 2,000-seat main auditorium, integrated with modern sound, lighting and mechanical systems, meeting complex performance techniques.

In addition, the theater also has a 300-seat auditorium, an exhibition - conference area, a large-capacity dining - kitchen area and a multi-function terrace.

Technically, the project stands out with a 52m-span floor system on floors 6, 7, and 8, along with a traffic, escape, and fire protection system that meets international standards. The project is currently undergoing testing and adjusting the mechanical and electrical systems, and is expected to be officially put into operation by the end of 2025.

According to Mr. Vo Duc Thanh - Director of the Project Management Board for Investment and Construction of Civil and Industrial Works, although approved since 2019, the entire project still ensures modern technology, capable of meeting the requirements of international scale performances.

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports and the City Arts Center are assigned to manage and operate the model. The model combines circus, puppetry, multimedia arts with musicals, concerts, festivals, conferences, exhibitions, etc., while also exploiting MICE services, educational and experiential activities and community programs.

Mr. Tran The Thuan said that the operation of Phu Tho circus and multi-purpose performance theater is closely linked to the strategy of developing cultural works.

This project is expected to become the “core” in the value chain connecting performing arts with cultural tourism, night-time economy, entertainment, creativity, training - coaching, international cooperation and cultural exchange. Thereby contributing to enhancing the position of Ho Chi Minh City in the region, and at the same time becoming an important driving force to promote the development of the city’s cultural industry.

TP.HCM khánh thành rạp xiếc và biểu diễn đa năng Phú Thọ - Ảnh 2. — Ms. Tran Thi Dieu Thuy, Vice Chairwoman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Ms. Tran Thi Dieu Thuy emphasized that the theater is not only a place to organize unique art performances but also a training and exchange center for artists and a new destination for domestic and foreign audiences.

To make the project effective, the city's leaders requested the Department of Culture and Sports to soon complete the operational plan, audience attraction strategy, and build a suitable management and operation model to avoid wasting resources.

According to the orientation, Phu Tho circus and multi-purpose performance theater will become a "stage for great works", an artist training center, a creative community exchange point and a cultural tourism highlight, contributing to promoting the night-time economy of Ho Chi Minh City.