Late last summer, when my soul was still being nurtured by the gentle summer breeze and everyday life had a real lightness to it, a new radio drama script landed on my desk.
The poignant and powerful narrative suddenly catapulted me all the way across the world, to the brutal realities of the Vietnam War, where young ‘ordinary’ people, fuelled by passion and love, fought for what they believed would lead to a better world.
This is as authentic as can be – this is the story of the author May Ngo’s very own father – and mother.
I was delighted to be brought onboard as casting director and also to spend the day at the studio during the recording with the talented and dedicated team, being completely drawn in by the passion, the pain, the betrayal and the brutal dilemmas.
History is often told from the viewpoint of those at the top – leaders, generals, politicians. This drama tells the story from the perspective of an ordinary man. It counters the idea that ordinary people were passive entities under Cold War conflicts, and instead captures some of the emotions, dreams and desires of people under extreme circumstances and the difficult choices they had to make
‘Liberation and Fall’ was aired on Radio 4 on 30th April 2025, on the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam war. It was also Radio Times’ pick of the day.
You can tune in and listen to it here:
1. Duration
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1955 – 1975 (20 years)
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U.S. involvement peaked during the 1960s.
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War officially ended on April 30, 1975, with the fall of Saigon.
2. Main Sides
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North Vietnam:
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Led by Ho Chi Minh.
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Supported by the Soviet Union, China, and other communist allies.
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South Vietnam:
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Backed by the United States, South Korea, Australia, and other anti-communist allies.
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3. Ideology
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A Cold War conflict: Communism (North) vs Capitalism/Democracy (South).
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The U.S. aimed to prevent the spread of communism under the Domino Theory.
4. Viet Cong
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Communist guerrilla force in South Vietnam.
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Supported by North Vietnam.
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Played a major role in fighting U.S. and South Vietnamese troops.
5. U.S. Involvement
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Began with advisors and financial support in the 1950s.
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Troop deployment escalated after the Gulf of Tonkin incident (1964).
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Over 500,000 American troops were stationed at the height of the war.
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U.S. forces withdrew under President Nixon (1973) via the Paris Peace Accords.
6. Notable Events
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Tet Offensive (1968): A massive surprise attack by North Vietnamese and Viet Cong, which turned U.S. public opinion.
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My Lai Massacre (1968): U.S. troops killed hundreds of unarmed Vietnamese civilians.
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Napalm and Agent Orange: Chemical weapons used by the U.S. caused massive destruction and long-term health effects.
7. Fall of Saigon
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On April 30, 1975, North Vietnamese forces captured Saigon, ending the war.
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South Vietnam was officially unified with the North as the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
8. Casualties
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Estimated:
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Over 3 million Vietnamese (including civilians) died.
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Over 58,000 American soldiers were killed.
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Millions more were wounded or displaced.
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9. Aftermath
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Vietnam faced years of poverty and isolation.
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U.S. public trust in government and military severely declined.
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The war left lasting psychological and physical scars on veterans.
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U.S. military policy became more cautious regarding foreign interventions.
10. Legacy
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A defining event of the Cold War era.
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Sparked global debates on morality, imperialism, and resistance.
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Inspired countless works of film, literature, music, and drama, such as “Liberation and Fall”.