𝐒𝐀𝐈𝐆𝐎𝐍 𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐀 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐄
Standing magnificently at the heart of Ho Chi Minh City is the Saigon Opera House, which is also known as the Municipal Theater. The building stands as one of the most impressive sights in Saigon – both night and day. Saigon Opera House was built in 1898 by the French architect – Eugene Ferret, following the “flamboyant” style of the French Third Republic. It was set to be two meters higher than the street surface with two-door layers, in order to prevent traffic noise. Built-in parallel structure, the Opera House is located on the city’s center axis, connecting the metro station and roundabout in front of Ben Thanh market. From a distance, the Opera House looks like a beautiful gigantic city gate. The architecture boasts stone-carved ornaments and statues at the entrance, crystal chandeliers, and a shiny granite floor in the lobby area – all built with materials imported from France. The oval auditorium with 468 seats offers a good view from every seat. It is also echo-free and therefore preserves all the sound inside the theatre. The theatre is now a venue for many high-profile events and cultural – entertainment activities in the city. Certified as a national relic in 2012, this magnificent building stays on top of the must-visit of Ho Chi Minh City. 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 – January 17th, 1900: The first show of the Opera House was performed by French actors and actresses. – November 18th, 1918: The first time Vietnamese organized a performance at the Opera House, which is a play mixed with Cai Luong, a theatrical genre from Southern Vietnam, often known as Vietnamese Opera. – 1945 – 1955: The Opera House was closed during World War II and reopened in 1955 – after the Geneva Convention (1954), and became Southern Vietnam’s Assembly House. – May 1975: it is officially named the city’s opera house. – 1996: Saigon Opera House is closed for renovation. – December 18th, 1998: Inauguration ceremony of Saigon Opera House after 2 years of renovation. The event marked the 300th anniversary of Ho Chi Minh City. – 2012: The Opera House is certified as a National Relic. 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐢𝐠𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 – The Opera House was built in 1898 and carried out 3,200,000 square meters in total areas. – The theater was set to be two meters higher than the street surface with two-door layers in order to prevent traffic noise. – The oval auditorium with 468 seats offers a good view from every seat. It is also echo-free and therefore preserves all the sound inside the theatre. – The major renovation, which cost USD 1.7 million at the time, took 2 years from 1996 to 1998 to finish. 𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐖𝐒 𝐀𝐓 𝐒𝐀𝐈𝐆𝐎𝐍 𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐀 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐄 “𝐀 𝐎” 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰 The name “A O” derives from “Lang Pho”, which means “village and city”. The show depicts the charming beauty and cultural richness of Vietnamese life in the countryside, in contrast with the nation’s racing urbanization. The show is a unique mix of bamboo circus, acrobatic acts, dance, and theatrical visual art. The live music echoes Vietnamese Southern work songs. All in all, this beautiful blend of genres creates a unique stage language, which well captures the essence of Vietnam’s fascinating culture. 𝐓𝐞𝐡 𝐃𝐚𝐫 Teh Dar invites the audience on a venture into the enchanting world of Vietnamese highlanders. Wild animal hunts, moonlit romance, and jungle tales of death and reincarnation are all recreated with stunning Vietnamese Bamboo Circus, daring acrobatics, and hypnotizing melody from exotic tribal instruments certified cultural heritage by UNESCO. Meaning ‘going in circle’ in the highland tribe K’ho’s tongue, Teh Dar embraces and preserves beautiful and diverse Vietnamese tribal cultures. As the artists keep inspiring, the circle of tribal life keeps going, the cultures shall remain. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐭 The Mist tells a story of Southern Vietnamese farming life, expressed through neo-classic and contemporary dance by skilled artists. Using rice cultivation as a metaphor to appreciate farmers’ dedication, from their misty dawn on the fields, their hardship and willpower to rise up from humble muddy soil, to brace storms, to the moment they arrive joyously like shining pearls at harvest. The Mist is an hour of emotions, with myriad ups and downs, painted by sensational live music, splendid visuals, and colorful lighting effects. | 𝐒𝐚𝐢𝐠𝐨𝐧 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞