Everyone well knows how ${bigcity_Ho_Chi_Minh_City:”HCMC”} has it all - - - colorful streets, busy day and nightlife, active trade, exciting shopping adventures and lots of attractions. These attractions could come in many forms. Surely, there is something that would suit any kind hunger for entertainment. But looks like the city would never stop keeping everyone happy and would always find new ways to tickle one’s fancy.

The string of cafes in HCMC’s streets is among the most popular hangouts for people of all ages. The ambience, the well-served drinks and the chance to meet new people is among the best highlights any café could mostly offer. Well, there were some who added some extra features like hosting painting exhibitions, live music and films to entertain their guests. But just the recent years, HCMC cafes started adding another item in their menu. But actually, it isn’t something you have to specially order. If you love stage plays and skits, well, you have another reason to smile about, as it is now served between every sip of your ordered drinks. You heard it right - - - pure entertainment just several feet away from your very seat in your favorite café.

Do Thanh Lam, owner of Bet Café in District 3 is among the creative minds people should thank for. He has been pioneering drama shows in his café. Born to a family with a long tradition in the arts, and a former guitar bass player himself, Lam allowed his artistic spirit to take over and decided to inject something unique in his business. He noticed how other cafés stage music shows, others comedy, but none is offering drama. In his small café space, a drama group of two to seven actors perform shows for about an hour. Most of their skits surround on hot issues, drawing attention particularly from young audiences.

Just a few feet away from the guests allows the actors to show their character and emotions on stage while the viewers are absorbed in the drama with the actors. Such beautiful interaction is enjoyed not only by the actors but by the audience themselves. As to how much these performers earn, nobody can be very sure. However, they admit that the applause and appreciation from people who watch them act is so much a rewards in its own.

Lam’s concept quickly clicked. A remarkable number of regular patrons now regularly flock to the plays staged on its premises every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. The café has also been able to gather a group of professional actors and actresses to add quality to its theatrical offerings. Soon, others followed. Nhen Café at 288/5 Huynh Van Banh Street in HCMC’s Phu Nhuan District offers similar entertainment but with a different kind of twist - - - horror skits. And another café in Go Vap District, the Q2 café, serves up different options ranging from comedy, horror as well as full-length plays.

Most of the cast performing in these cafes are young and have just graduated from acting school and are looking to gain experience and earn some income. Indeed, they may not be as popular as the artists performing in professional stages. But the experience they offer to audience and the chance to actually come up close with the performers is a whole different adventure they take so much pride in. Like I said, everyone has something that catches his fancy. Let this entertain those who would appreciate it. For now, people are loving it. Café owners and performers are wishing the trend will last.