“Telling the Story of a Thousand Years: The Story of Saigon 2” kicks off the field writing phase.

On February 10th, at the Vietnam Women's Publishing House (Southern branch), the art project "Telling the Story of a Thousand Years: Saigon Stories 2" officially held a press conference to announce its second phase. This event marks a shift from conceptualization to fieldwork – where artists directly immerse themselves in urban life, seeking and transforming material from the rhythm of contemporary Saigon.

The press conference opened with a performance combining traditional and contemporary elements. Musician Cao Bá Hưng performed the lute "Bình Bán Vắn," a New Year's melody from Southern Vietnam's traditional folk music genre. The performance was accompanied by hip-hop dance choreography by director and artist Thịnh Tiêu and young artists. This combination created a vibrant atmosphere and reflected the creative fusion that the project pursues: a dialogue between the old and the new, between traditional identity and the modern spirit of the city.

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At the press conference, the Creative Board announced the content structure, consisting of three main thematic pairs that will be explored in the series of five mini-shows taking place in March 2026. Specifically, these are: "Sun - Rain," "Day - Night," and "Modern - Traditional." According to the organizers, these are symbolic pairs of categories, reflecting the contrasting yet parallel rhythms of urban life in Saigon.

The series of mini-shows is considered a "material exploration" phase, where artists experiment with ideas, conduct field research, and develop their expressive language. After approximately 30 days of continuous work, suitable materials will be selected and developed into complete works for large-scale performances during the April 30th - May 1st holiday in 2026.

A notable aspect of the project is its early ticket sales method. Audiences participating from the initial stages will become companions in the creative process. Ticket buyers can attend mini-shows and witness the formation and development of the artwork before its completion. The organizers hope this model will create a strong bond between artists and the public, while also contributing to building a long-term habit of appreciating art.

Speaking at the press conference, musician Cao Bá Hưng said that the project is not just about a single performance but also aims to create a sustainable foundation for artists. “We want to create a space where artists can make a living from their profession, thereby continuing to create and spread cultural values ​​in the community. 'Saigon Stories 2' is not just a performance, but an effort to build a sustainable path for artists,” he said.

According to the Organizing Committee, the project aims to create an urban art product with long-term performance potential. Besides enriching the cultural life of Ho Chi Minh City, the program is also expected to become an experiential destination for tourists, contributing to the promotion of the city's tourism economy and creative industries.

The project also invites artists from diverse fields such as painting, visual arts, poetry, performance, movement, and music to participate in the field creation journey. This multidisciplinary participation is considered crucial to fully reflect the multifaceted nature of Saigon.

“Telling the Thousand-Year Story: Saigon Stories 2” is organized by 4LL IN Performance Art, with media sponsorship from the Vietnam Women's Publishing House (Southern branch). Co-organizers include Hexagon Art Entertainment, Jayp Entertainment, and GM Creative. The project aims to build an art space that connects the community, contributing to the dissemination and enrichment of the unique cultural identity of Saigon.

Quynh Mai