Until this weekend, the vibrant world of Lô Tô was an experience entirely new to me. Invited by friends to visit the Sai Gon Tan Thoi Lô Tô troupe, I walked into the colorful, bustling venue on Bắc Hải Street, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City, with curiosity and excitement. Despite having known Lộ Lộ, the charismatic leader of Sai Gon Tan Thoi, through mutual friends, I had yet to see one of her famous performances. Little did I know, the evening would captivate me in ways I never anticipated.
What is Lô Tô?
Lô Tô is a beloved Vietnamese folk game, traditionally similar to Western bingo. Originating from European lottery games, it has uniquely evolved into a vibrant form of entertainment blending singing, comedy, dance, and theatrical performances. Players receive paper cards printed with random numbers and listen eagerly as numbers are sung out lyrically by a charismatic host. The first to match their numbers calls out triumphantly, winning prizes and applause.
However, at Sai Gon Tan Thoi, Lô Tô is much more than a mere lottery game. It’s an elaborate cultural celebration that has transformed into a professional art form and an iconic staple in Ho Chi Minh City’s entertainment scene.
The Vibrant Atmosphere at Sai Gon Tan Thoi
Arriving at the venue around 8 PM, I was immediately taken by the palpable excitement filling the air. The 200-seat theater was quickly reaching capacity, buzzing with energy from people of all ages. The crowd was diverse – families, groups of friends, and couples – all drawn together by the magnetic charm of Sai Gon Tan Thoi.
As seats filled rapidly, those arriving later cheerfully grabbed plastic chairs and settled along the corridors or at tables near the snack bar. It was clear that no one minded the extra arrangements – everyone was eager to experience the magic that was about to unfold.
Lộ Lộ: The Heart and Soul of Sai Gon Tan Thoi
At the heart of Sai Gon Tan Thoi is its founder and star, Lâm Quốc Khải, popularly known by her stage name, Lộ Lộ. Once a university lecturer living a conventional life, Lộ Lộ courageously left her stable job and followed her deep passion for performing arts. Driven by determination and genuine love for entertainment, she founded Sai Gon Tan Thoi in 2017 with only four artists. Today, the troupe proudly features nearly 40 talented performers, thriving under her inspirational leadership.
Having known Lộ Lộ through a mutual friend – her husband – I had heard many inspiring stories of her passion, creativity, and tenacity. But watching her step on stage that night, elegantly dressed, radiating charisma and warmth, I finally understood why she has become such an icon.
The Show Begins
When the lights dimmed and the vibrant music began, the entire theater erupted into excited applause. Lộ Lộ stepped forward, welcoming everyone with her charming smile and humorous banter. The show began with her skillfully blending comedy and storytelling, instantly making everyone feel connected and at ease.
Soon after, she beautifully transitioned into singing lyrical lines, each cleverly rhymed to introduce numbers drawn for the Lô Tô game. It was delightful watching the crowd eagerly scan their cards, laugh at her witty rhymes, and cheer enthusiastically whenever someone shouted “Lô Tô!”
Artistry in Performance
The brilliance of Sai Gon Tan Thoi lies in its seamless integration of traditional Vietnamese art forms such as cải lương (Vietnamese folk opera) and theatrical drama into Lô Tô. Performers didn’t merely announce numbers—they delivered captivating mini-dramas, dances, and comedic sketches, each with polished professionalism and passion.
Between rounds, the audience enjoyed breathtaking vocal performances, energetic dances, and genuinely funny comedic routines. Lộ Lộ and her fellow artists showcased remarkable versatility, effortlessly shifting from drama to comedy, music to interaction. This dynamic approach kept the energy high throughout the nearly three-hour performance.
Cultural Impact and Recognition
Sai Gon Tan Thoi’s innovative approach has not only revitalized the traditional Lô Tô but also elevated its cultural status. The troupe gained international recognition when featured in The New York Times, bringing global attention to this unique Vietnamese art form. Lộ Lộ herself has championed the international expansion of Lô Tô, performing successfully in countries like Taiwan, Australia, and across Europe.
Her journey wasn’t without challenges. Managing a large troupe is demanding, particularly during rainy seasons when attendance can dip significantly. There have been times when Lộ Lộ mortgaged personal assets to sustain her beloved troupe, illustrating her unwavering commitment and love for Lô Tô.
Community and Connection
Throughout the evening, what touched me most was the genuine connection between performers and their audience. There were heartfelt moments, such as when Lộ Lộ shared stories about devoted fans who overcame personal hardships through their love of Lô Tô. These personal anecdotes highlighted the deep emotional bonds cultivated by Sai Gon Tan Thoi with their community.
Lộ Lộ’s warmth and sincerity created an atmosphere of intimacy. It felt as if she were personally inviting each audience member to share in the joy, laughter, and collective celebration of life that night.
Ambitions for the Future
Despite the troupe’s success, Lộ Lộ remains ambitious and forward-thinking. Her ultimate dream is to establish Sai Gon Tan Thoi as a lasting cultural landmark, akin to revered international theatrical institutions. Inspired by historic performance venues during her international travels, she envisions a future where Vietnamese folk arts are treasured and celebrated by future generations.
Her dedication to preserving and promoting Lô Tô speaks volumes about her passion for her cultural heritage. Through documentaries, community engagement, and continuous innovation in performances, Lộ Lộ tirelessly works towards this vision.
A Night to Remember
As the final applause echoed through the theater, I felt profoundly grateful for having finally experienced Sai Gon Tan Thoi. More than just entertainment, the evening revealed to me a vivid world of Vietnamese culture, creativity, and genuine human connection.
Walking away that night, reflecting upon Lộ Lộ’s inspiring journey and the passionate artistry of the Sai Gon Tan Thoi troupe, I understood deeply why Lô Tô holds such a special place in people’s hearts. It’s more than a game; it’s a beautiful celebration of life, culture, and community.
If you have yet to experience Sai Gon Tan Thoi and the mesmerizing performances of Lộ Lộ, make it a priority. It’s not simply an evening of entertainment—it’s an unforgettable cultural experience that will leave your heart joyful and inspired.