On October 22, 1921, "The Poisoned Cup" was first presented to audiences on the stage of the Hanoi Opera House. This was the first play written by a Vietnamese, marking the official birth and development of Vietnamese drama. The author Vu Dinh Long, who wrote the play, is considered the father of the industry.
Previously, in Vietnam, there were only the traditional operas (tuong), cheo (cheo) and southern opera (formed on the basis of amateur music). While the above genres all originated from folk activities, drama had Western influences. However, the play “Chén Thuốc Độc” by author Vũ Đình Long still bears a strong mark of Vietnamese culture.
The story of the play revolves around the family of Mr. Thong Thu - a well-off civil servant. Faced with the temptations of colonial urban society, his family members all indulged in debauchery, focusing on their own pleasures while ignoring morals and family responsibilities. The main character himself was also a music lover, often visiting brothels.
When his family life began to fall apart and he was in debt everywhere, Mr. Thong Thu finally came to his senses, but it was too late. Wanting to escape from poverty, he decided to drink a cup of poison to commit suicide. Luckily, an incident happened that saved Mr. Thong Thu's life in time, helping him wake up and give him a chance to start his life over again.
Artists at the play's introduction event
The 2021 reenactment has Meritorious Artist Bui Nhu Lai as director, screenwriter Do Tri Hung as editor and the participation of many veteran actors such as People's Artist Le Khanh, People's Artist Viet Thang, People's Artist Trung Hieu, Meritorious Artist Trinh Mai Nguyen, Meritorious Artist Xuan Bac, Meritorious Artist Hoai Thu... It is expected that "The Poison Cup" will be re-staged during the week celebrating 100 years of Vietnamese drama, performed at the Vietnam Drama Theater on October 18 and at the Hanoi Opera House on October 21.
A handwriting of Vu Dinh Long, the "father" of Vietnamese drama
