A O Show and Teh Dar at Saigon Opera House

Vietnamese themes and culture come to life in a show of acrobatics, bamboo cirque, contemporary dance and folk instruments, on stage in Saigon’s turn of the century Opera House.

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Developed in 2009, A O Show was the first production, and introduced Ho Chi Minh City to amazing feats, turning simple things like bamboo and iconic bamboo fishing baskets into a circus art. Now A O Show frequently tours the world and other productions have been introduced. We were disappointed to learn we couldn’t see the original but that was soon forgotten once the curtain went up for Teh Dar; we loved every minute of it.

Time for a show? Photo taken in or around A O Show and Teh Dar at Saigon Opera House, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam by Cindy Fan.

Time for a show? Photo: Cindy Fan

Teh Dar draws its inspiration from a few tribal groups of Vietnam’s Central Highlands. The live performance features both male and female acrobats, dancers, musicians and singers with mesmerising choreography. The production does play up the “exoticism” but it’s hard not to get swept up in the feeling of curiosity and mysticism, especially since they’ve taken gongs and drums, traditional instruments of the Central Highlands, and upped the ante with intense percussion paired with physical theatre.

What we enjoyed was that there was still a narrative—it wasn’t just people doing impressive tricks, though there was plenty of that. There were interludes of song and joyful moments of humour, where despite not knowing the language, the audience could still connect with it. The only downside is the lack of pamphlet or poster to give an overview, something you would expect of any theatrical production. The show draws from symbols of the Central Highlands—Rong houses, jar wine, gongs—and the average theatregoer may not understand their significance.

Meet the crew. Photo taken in or around A O Show and Teh Dar at Saigon Opera House, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam by Cindy Fan.

Meet the crew. Photo: Cindy Fan

For such a unique show, ticket prices are quite affordable. There are three seating sections: 565,000 dong, 945,000 dong, 1,325,000 dong, 35% off for children 5-12 years old. Buy tickets at the box office on the side of the building, and during good weather staff also sell at the front entrance. The box office is open daily 09:00-18:00. Or purchase with a travel agent or hotel who will charge a small commission.

Showtime is at 18:00; there is no intermission. Prior to the show, there are free refreshments and ticket holders can join a hurried 10-minute tour of the Opera House. There is a guide but with so many people, it is difficult to hear anything. In any case, this is the opportunity to take lots of photos of the theatre.

Once the theatre lights dim, thankfully there is an announcement against photography and video. After the show, the cast head to the lobby for a photo opp to satisfy everyone’s photo craving.

A O Show and Teh Dar at Saigon Opera House
Saigon Opera House, 7 Lam Son Square, District 1
Box office Mo–Su: 09:00-18:00
T: (028) 6281 6893
http://www.luneproduction.com/
Admission: 565,000 dong, 945,000 dong & 1,325,000 dong, 35% off for children 5-12 years old.

By Cindy Fan .
Last updated on 25th August, 2017.