Held at the Gianh Ferry Warf Historical Site, the program pays tribute to the generations of officers, soldiers, youth volunteers, militia forces, and civilians who fought bravely and and made sacrifices in the Gianh Ferry Warf. Known as a 'fire coordinate' over nine intense years from 1964 to 1973, this location endured heavy bombing but still managed to keep vital transport routes open in support of the frontline and to resist the US war of destruction in the North.
More than a conventional commemorative performance, Epic on the River is designed as a vivid sequence of living memories. Starting from the present day, the program takes viewers back in time to the years of war, marked by loss, sacrifice, courage, and the aspiration for national reunification.
One of the program's most distinctive features is its staging concept. Moving beyond the limits of a traditional linear stage, it expands into a multi-layered performance space closely connected to the real landscape, from the Gianh River and ferry terminal to the victory monument and memorial site. Here, the river itself becomes a central “character”, bearing witness to and narrating history.
Seamlessly integrating political narratives, real-life reenactments, music, tribute rituals, and exchanges with historical witnesses, the program creates emotional bridges that help audiences absorb historical messages naturally and profoundly.
Music plays a key role in storytelling, setting the atmosphere and guiding the narrative. The musical flow moves from reflective and gentle melodies to solemn, heroic, and uplifting tones.
Audiences will be immersed in a rich artistic space through timeless songs such as Hy Vong, Loi Nguoi Ra Di, Quang Binh que ta oi, Vui mo duong, Mien xa tham, Tro ve dong song tuoi tho, Linh thieng Viet Nam, and Duong chung ta di. These works will be performed by renowned artists including People’s Artist Thu Hien, Meritorious Artist Lan Anh, Tung Duong, Huong Tram, Dong Hung, Nguyen Hoang Bao Ngo,c and Hoang Viet Danh.
Looking back at its wartime past from today’s Gianh River, the program affirms a lasting truth: sacrifices for the nation will never be forgotten. These heroic memories provide a strong spiritual foundation for today’s generations to continue building the country. The political and artistic program Epic on the River will be broadcast live at 20:10 tonight (April 18, 2026) on VTV1. Please tune in!
