Tales of Ancient Việt Nam
by Vinh G. Nguyen
Tales of Ancient Việt Nam is a new play, intended for a multigenerational audience. It follows the journey of Lan, a second-generation, Vietnamese American, as she discovers her cultural identity and heritage through a series of beloved Vietnamese folktales told by her Ông Bà Nội (grandparents). The wildly imaginative script spotlights an empowering AAPI youth experience, while weaving in Southeast Asian history, culture, and traditions through vibrant music, dance, and puppetry.
The play received its first developmental workshop on May 7, 2023 at Olinder Community Center in San Jose, CA. It was commissioned and produced by Chopsticks Alley Art, and was partially funded by Silicon Valley Creates, the City of San Jose's Office of Cultural Affairs, and the California Arts Council. As 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, the play comes at crucial time to celebrate and uplift the thriving generation of the Vietnamese diaspora.
The play received its first developmental workshop on May 7, 2023 at Olinder Community Center in San Jose, CA. It was commissioned and produced by Chopsticks Alley Art, and was partially funded by Silicon Valley Creates, the City of San Jose's Office of Cultural Affairs, and the California Arts Council. As 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, the play comes at crucial time to celebrate and uplift the thriving generation of the Vietnamese diaspora.
Developmental Workshop Trailer
Developmental Workshop Photos
Photo credit: Martin Mijares