Do Hong Quan (second from left), chairman of the Vietnam Union of Literature and Arts Associations; and Nguyen Phuoc Loc (fourth from left), deputy secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee; congratulate the performers after the premiere night of “Mo Show” in Ho Chi Minh City on June 12, 2026. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Arts Center
The production is the first major cultural work to be presented at Phu Tho Circus and Multi-purpose Theater, and is part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of Ho Chi Minh City being named after President Ho Chi Minh.
Running for more than 60 minutes, “Mo Show” combines circus arts, puppetry, projection mapping, and advanced stage technologies.
The production features around 150 performers from various artistic disciplines, primarily circus and puppetry artists from Ho Chi Minh City, along with performers from the Vietnam Circus and Vaudeville Secondary School in Hanoi.
With its large-scale staging and visually striking performances, the show drew repeated applause from nearly 2,000 spectators on opening night.
The entire audience is immersed in the dazzling dream world of “Mo Show.” Photo: Linh Doan / Tuoi Tre
Moving between conventional stage settings and water-based performance spaces, “Mo Show” fully utilizes the capabilities of the modern theater while offering audiences a unique and at times breathtaking experience.
Written by Tran Tri and directed by Duong Thao, the production centers on the image of a young boy.
“Mo Show” follows the journey of the child from birth to adulthood, exploring emotional growth and the development of artistic aspirations through different stages of life.
“Mo Show” follows the coming-of-age journey of a child. Photo: Linh Doan / Tuoi Tre
A fire circus act depicts the child’s anger. Photo: Linh Doan / Tuoi Tre
Through this narrative, the creative team hopes to convey the dreams, creative pursuits, and artistic evolution of Vietnamese artists.
“We will listen to audience feedback and continue refining the show after each performance so that ‘Mo Show’ becomes smoother, better conveys its artistic vision, and fully showcases the creativity of each performer,” said circus director Quoc Cong, who oversees the production’s circus segments.
“We hope it will offer audiences a visually spectacular and meaningful experience worthy of the city’s investment and public expectations,” he said.
Performers from the Vietnam Circus And Vaudeville Secondary School bring a distinctive touch to the production with a teeterboard act. Photo: Linh Doan / Tuoi Tre
According to Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuy, “Mo Show” debuts during a special period as Ho Chi Minh City organizes activities commemorating the 50th anniversary of the city being named after President Ho Chi Minh.
The production serves as the opening event for a broader series of literary and artistic programs scheduled throughout July.
Following its premiere, “Mo Show” will stage two additional performances for children and the general public before officially launching commercial ticket sales on June 20.
Thuy said the city’s significant investment in the production is expected to contribute positively to the development of Ho Chi Minh City’s cultural industries.
The Phu Tho Circus and Multi-Purpose Theater, a project envisioned by the city for more than two decades, has now become a reality.
The facility was designed not only for circus and puppetry but also for a wide range of contemporary performing arts, allowing artists to fully realize their creative potential and produce emotionally resonant works for audiences.
City authorities plan to continue investing in performances beyond “Mo Show,” with the goal of turning the venue into a regular weekly destination for local and international audiences seeking high-quality artistic experiences.
