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Vietgone Character Analysis

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Qui Nguyen’s Vietgone is a contemporary and modern twist on the classic boy meets girl story. Based on the real life experiences of his parents, Nguyen intertwines his comedic style with the tragic reality that refugees of war must face, and creates a story that allows the tragedy of the survivors of the Vietnam War to become accessible to a modern American audience. Director Jamie Castaneda and the American Conservatory Theatre bring this production to life in San Francisco, where a blend of technology, hip-hop, and an all-Asian cast crew brings justice to a story often untold. The play mainly follows two refugees who manage to find love despite their circumstances. However, beyond the tale of two unlikely lovers is a story about dealing with loss, finding one’s identity, and navigating one’s way through a …show more content…

Of crucial importance is the different attitudes between Nguyen and Quang has towards the Vietnam War. Nguyen represents the traditional view that the Vietnam War was a failure on the part of the Americans, a mistake and pointless war that ruined the lives of many. What is surprising is Quang’s view. With an immediate and loud retort to Nguyen’s negative feelings towards the Vietnam war, Seol’s portrayal of Quang immediately grabs the audience’s attention. Quang is grateful for the Vietnam war, and “thankful for the American soldiers that gave up their lives so [he] could live.” Actor Seol aptly captures the spirit and sentiments of an actual Vietnamese refugee, and in doing so provides a refreshing and different perspective about the Vietnam War. Faced with these differing perspectives, the audience must come to realize that America is not a monolith, but instead composed of people from many different backgrounds with varying experiences, attitudes, thoughts, and

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