An outdoor spectacle that re-enacts different historical periods of the ancient town of Hoi An has left strong impressions on visitors to the locality.

The colorful and musically dazzling night show ‘Hoi An Memories’ recalls the memories of Hoi An as a prosperous trading port over a 400-year period.

With a cast of nearly 500 actors and actresses, the show is part of a creative cultural and arts programme that aims to introduce the culture and history of Hoi An ancient town to tourists.

“After watching the show, I thought it was very beautiful and it was lovely to get the feel of what Vietnam is,” said Molly Cifford, an audience member from the UK.

As part of the show that has debuted at the Hoi An Impression Theme Park in the central province of Quang Nam since March, more than 100 girls in Ao dai (Vietnam’s traditional long dress) on stage tell the story of the charming beauty of Vietnamese women and the lives of locals.

“I was stunned by every act, especially when they showcase ao dai performance,” said Le Thi Thuy Hieu, a local audience member said.

“I feel like there is nothing more beautiful than it is. My love for Vietnam seems to grow bigger after watching the show,” she added.

The show choreographer Nguyen Thi Thanh Hang said folklore and contemporary dances as well as ballet were integrated in the show, creating graceful movements of artists performing in “Hoi An Memories” show.

The theatre uses the waters of Hoai River as its 25,000-sq m stage along with state-of-the-art lighting technology and sophisticated sound effects, said Dao Quang Tung, representative of the show producer.

“We don’t simply want to deliver historical stories to audience but bring them a performance with sufficient cultural and art values,” Tung said, adding that the performance was attended by talented artists who desire to show people their love for arts.

It took nearly two years to produce the one-hour show which is scheduled every night and is expected to attract more than 3,000 guests per show.

The ‘Hoi An Memories’ show has set two Vietnamese records - the country’s largest ever outdoor visual arts performance and the most daily crowded performers show.

A scene of Hoi An Memories

A scene of Hoi An Memories 

Molly Cifford, an audience member from the UK 

Vietnam’s traditional long dress on stage of Hoi An Memories 

Artists practice for the show

VNA