A O Show is a stage production from Vietnam that mixes bamboo-focused acrobatics and contemporary choreography to portray the country’s move from traditional village life to urban living. Created by Lune Production and touring internationally since 2015, the performance uses bamboo props and live music to create distinct rural and city scenes over roughly an hour.
What A O Show is and where it came from
A O Show is a staged performance designed to present aspects of Vietnamese daily life through movement, objects and sound. The project was developed by Lune Production, a company that produces several theatrical works with similar cultural aims. Since beginning international tours in 2015, the show has been presented in more than 15 countries across four continents.
The title plays on simple vocal sounds and also references the words for “village” and “city,” two social settings that the program contrasts. The running time is just over an hour, and the production aims to portray everyday rural activities, the process of urban change and the feelings these transitions evoke.
Key features and highlights of the performance
The show is built around a small set of consistent elements: performers use bamboo as the primary material for props and staging, movement combines circus techniques with contemporary dance vocabulary, and musicians perform live on stage. On the visual side, performers often wear plain, village-style clothing during rural scenes, while later segments present a more city-like atmosphere to underline the narrative shift.
Sound and musical texture play an important role. Live players perform on traditional instruments such as zither and bamboo flute alongside vocal or other contemporary rhythmic elements, including beatbox-style sounds. The production mixes gentle humour and human-scale moments with skillful physical work, producing scenes that many visitors describe as both reflective and entertaining.
- Signature materials: all major props are made from bamboo.
- Performance length: typically around 60 minutes.
- Stage language: movement-heavy, little spoken dialogue.
The production has regular runs at two fixed venues in Vietnam: the Saigon Opera House in Ho Chi Minh City and the Lune Performance Center in Hoi An. When planning to see a performance in Hoi An, many travellers combine the visit with transport from nearby Da Nang; practical options for that journey are covered in this guide to Da Nang to Hoi An taxi.
Practical tips for planning a visit
Tickets for the show are sold in several categories. The production lists three tiers with starting prices in US dollars; these are the official ticket category names and their approximate starting prices: AAH! from USD $32, OOH! from USD $50 and WOW! from USD $69. These names correspond to different seating options and price points.
| Ticket class | Starting price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| AAH! | From $32 | Entry tier listed by the production |
| OOH! | From $50 | Mid-tier ticket category |
| WOW! | From $69 | Highest-priced tier offered |
Useful arrival and behaviour notes come directly from performance guidelines: audience members are asked to be seated about 15 minutes before the start time, a welcome drink is typically offered before the show, and after the curtain call there is usually an opportunity for photos and brief interaction with performers. Photography, filming and live streaming during the performance are prohibited, and visitors are reminded to silence mobile phones. The show is not intended for children under five years old.
To avoid disappointment, reserve seats in advance during busy travel periods and check the venue’s seating map if you have strong preferences about sightlines. If you need transport advice in central Vietnam, planning transport between nearby cities can simplify reaching Hoi An’s performance centre.
Cultural context and creative approach
The production uses bamboo as a central visual and practical motif. Bamboo carries long-standing associations in Vietnamese rural life—materials for tools, household items and simple constructions—and here it functions both as symbolic reference and as working apparatus for acrobatic sequences. The artistic choice to rely on bamboo props links the show’s physical language back to rural craft traditions.
Musically, the performance bridges old and new. Instrumental lines from traditional instruments such as zither and bamboo flute are combined with contemporary rhythmic textures. This musical layering supports the staging’s emotional shifts, helping an audience move through quiet, pastoral moments into more urban, rhythmic passages. Visitors frequently note how the live sound contributes to the immediacy of the action onstage.
- Bamboo props reflect everyday rural tools and objects.
- Costuming changes help underline the shift from countryside to city.
- Live music mixes traditional instruments with modern percussive elements.
Who the show is best suited to
The A O Show appeals mainly to people who are interested in contemporary performing arts that reference local culture. It tends to attract travellers who want a staged, artistic interpretation of Vietnamese life rather than a straightforward historical lecture. Theatre-goers who appreciate physical theatre, acrobatics and live music are likely to enjoy the production.
Families can attend, although the production is not suitable for very young children (under five). Those who prefer a quiet, seated evening of performance art—rather than a flashy commercial musical—will find the pacing and format appropriate. For broader travel planning in Vietnam, consider pairing a theatre visit with exploration of other cultural sites; this fits well with itineraries listed in our guide to Vietnam travel destinations.
How A O Show compares with other performances
Lune Production presents several stage works that use similar methods: other titles from the company include productions that also draw on regional craft, music and movement. Compared with larger commercial musicals, A O Show is relatively modest in scale but focused on cross-cultural storytelling through simple materials and live performance.
Audiences who have seen a range of Vietnamese theatrical productions report that this work is distinctive for its reliance on bamboo as the main prop material and for the performer-driven soundscape. If you are trying to decide between performances, consider whether you prefer a narrative told through dialogue, or one delivered primarily through movement and music; A O Show sits in the latter category.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the A O Show last?
The production typically runs for just over 60 minutes. Exact run times may vary slightly by performance.
Where in Vietnam can I see the show?
The show has regular performances at the Saigon Opera House (Ho Chi Minh City) and at the Lune Performance Center in Hoi An. Specific dates and schedules depend on the venue’s programming.
Are photos or video allowed during the performance?
No. Filming, still photography and live streaming of the performance are not permitted. Audience members are asked to switch off mobile phones to avoid disrupting performers and other visitors.
Is the production suitable for children?
The production is not recommended for children under five years of age. Older children may attend, but attendees should consider the quiet, theatrical nature of the performance when deciding whether it is appropriate for a younger visitor.
How much do tickets cost?
Ticket categories are listed by the producers with starting prices in US dollars: AAH! from about $32, OOH! from about $50 and WOW! from about $69. Prices can change according to seating and demand.