For the first time, the venue opened its doors to the public and visitors free of charge. Audiences were able to experience water puppetry and watch circus acts performed by professional artists.

Due to limited capacity, participants had to register in advance. From as early as 9am, many arrived early to check in, receive wristbands and begin their visit.

Nguyen Le Hong Yen and her family from Phu Nhuan Ward shared their excitement after securing tickets. “Our family loves circus shows and has watched many performances before, but this is the first time we’ve stepped into such a modern theatre. Everything, from the space to the sound system, surprised and impressed us,” she said.

Inside, visitors were treated to excerpts from the circus production “Fire God Memories - The Mysterious Land (prequel)”, blending modern circus techniques with storytelling in a visually enchanting setting.

The program also featured distinctive puppet performances, including the hand puppet show “Swan Lake” with its graceful, fluid movements that reimagined a classic tale, alongside the traditional water puppet piece “Loan Phuong”, rich in folk elements and symbolic imagery, creating a vivid and expressive stage atmosphere.

With 16 years in the profession, artist Dao Dung said her greatest joy remains the moments on stage. “Performing in such a large-scale, modern theatre motivates me to refine every detail and deliver the most complete performances to audiences,” she shared.

After the show, visitors were invited to interact with the artists and directly try water puppetry under professional guidance.

Le Huynh Tri from Tan Binh Ward said he was thrilled by the experience. “I’ve loved water puppetry since I was a child, but this is the first time I’ve been able to try it myself,” he said.

The main auditorium has a capacity of up to 2,000 seats and stands approximately 24 meters high, creating an expansive and impressive performance space. Equipped with advanced sound, lighting and stage technology, the venue can host a wide range of performances, from circus acts and music shows to large-scale productions, offering audiences a vivid and professional experience.

Architect Nguyen Huu Phung, Director of the project management board, said the theatre stands as a testament to Vietnamese expertise, with the entire design and construction carried out by domestic teams to near international standards. A key highlight is its column-free structure with a span of nearly 60 meters, ensuring unobstructed views across the 2,000-seat auditorium. The multi-level stage system and modern equipment also allow the venue to flexibly host various large-scale performances for both local and international troupes.

According to Mr Son, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Arts Center, bringing the theatre into operation marks not only a milestone for the unit but also draws significant interest from the artistic community. He emphasized the responsibility to operate the venue effectively to serve the public.

The theatre is expected to operate as a multi-purpose venue, catering to diverse art forms. During the April 30 and May 1 holidays, it plans to open free of charge with selected circus excerpts, while also developing new programs that reflect the cultural identity of Ho Chi Minh City, aiming to become a key destination in the city’s tourism offerings.

The Phu Tho Multi-purpose Circus and Performance Theatre is a Group A project with a total investment of approximately VND1.395 trillion (US$57 million). The complex includes two basement levels and 12 above-ground floors, covering more than 31,600 square meters. It was inaugurated on August 19, 2025, in celebration of National Day on September 2. The project was later handed over to the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports for management and operation from March 18.

The theatre is expected to become a modern cultural and artistic landmark, contributing to the city’s urban landscape and enriching the spiritual life of its residents.

Tuan Hung