Hanoi - The Epic of the Streets: A Meeting with Historical Witnesses from 70 Years Ago

Hanoi, a city that has seen both the ravages of war and the peace that followed, holds a deep love and nostalgia for every Vietnamese. No other city in the world has been praised in song as much as Hanoi. Hanoi - The Epic of the Streets is a music and art-filled program that not only recalls the proud and heroic historical days of the capital but also highlights the current generation's role in maintaining peace, fostering creativity, and promoting Hanoi’s unique street culture.

A Romantic Story Embellished with Heroism

Hanoi - The Epic of the Streets is one of the key programs produced by Vietnam Television (VTV) to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Liberation of Hanoi (October 10, 1954 - October 10, 2024). This program was meticulously crafted by the Entertainment Program Production team over  a long period of time.

 “When we talk about Hanoi, we talk about the 36 streets. Few places in the world have such historical significance as Hanoi, where every street and house is a silent, steadfast witness to history, from the devastation of war to the victorious return of October 10, 1954, the relentless heroism of the Dien Bien Phu in the Air campaign (1972), and the rebirth after two wars to win the City for Peace designation of  UNESCO (1999) and later the Creative City in the field of design (2019)," shared editor Tran Thu Huong, a producer from the Entertainment Program Production Department, about the inspiration behind the show. “No other city in the world has been sung about as much as Hanoi. Hence, 'The Epic of the Streets' will be a music and art-centric program that recalls Hanoi’s proud, heroic historical days and the present generation’s efforts in maintaining peace, and creativity, and promoting Hanoi’s street culture."

Editor Tran Thu Huong added that the People's Committee of Hanoi, in collaboration with Vietnam Television, selected the Thang Long Imperial Citadel as the venue for the program. This location holds immense historical significance for the capital, as it was here that  the first flag-raising ceremony of the liberated capital took place at 3:00 PM on October 10, 1954.

“Balancing historical, political content with art in a program about Hanoi wasn’t the biggest challenge because in Hanoi – regardless of the situation – there is always a sense of romance and a distinct character,” said editor Tran Thu Huong. “When you look at history, you can see the elegance and spirit of Hanoians. Conversely, hearing a poem or a melody can evoke or remind you of Hanoi's historical context. Listening to Nguoi Ha Noi by musician Nguyen Dinh Thi, you can almost see a capital engulfed in flames during the days of  the 'fight  to the death for the nation’s survival.' Hearing 'the waves of soldiers marching forward' conjures images of a Hanoi festooned with flags on Liberation Day. And when you see the anti-aircraft guns defending the sky over Hanoi during the bombing, you naturally recall the lines, 'Our steps are proud and unwavering, with the cannons raised high towards the sky...'"

A Meeting with Historical Witnesses from 70 Years Ago

Divided into three segments—The Battlefield Within the City, Nine Years of Forest Yet the Heart Remains in the Capital, and The Song of Hanoi—the program Hanoi - The Epic of the Streets will take audiences back to historical stories of Hanoi, introducing them to witnesses from 70 years ago and, even further, from nearly 80 years ago at the start of the national resistance. Hanoi was the first city to fire the shots signaling the beginning of a nationwide struggle.

“The most special part of the program is the historical witnesses,” editor Thu Huong shared. “Like Meritorious Artist Phung De, a veteran battlefield cinematographer who, during the 60-day defense of Hanoi in 1946, was only 13 years old and served as a liaison for units in the city. He was present during the historic withdrawal on February 17, 1947. Then there’s Mrs. Pham Thi Vien, who at the time was a 22-year-old self-defense soldier at Mai Dong Mechanical Factory. Despite wearing a mourning headscarf, she resolutely manned the anti-aircraft guns to protect Hanoi’s skies, contributing to the downing of the F.111A aircraft on the night of December 22, 1972. They are the living witnesses to the heroic history of this land.”

One of the challenges in producing such programs is to find and connect with historical witnesses while presenting the story from a fresh, creative perspective. "The Epic of the Streets" was no exception.

Editor Tran Thu Huong explained: “It’s been 70 years, and these witnesses are elderly now, with declining health and memory. It’s impossible to simply call them and ask for their stories. We had to visit each witness in person to ask questions. Some could no longer hear well, so we had to write the questions in large letters for them to read and respond to. We also had to thoroughly study historical documents to cross-check information, refresh their memories, and ensure their   details they gave us were accurate.”

“Many of these witnesses were unable to attend  in person at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, which is one of our regrets for these programs,” editor Tran Thu Huong added.

Journalist Ta Bich Loan, head of the Entertainment Program Production Department, also shared: “There are many ways to make history come alive, to recreate it in a way that makes people feel like they’re living in that era. I believe everyone desires to explore history, as it helps us understand the present and the future. The best way to do this is to utilize the creative tools we have today. We can even use new tools like artificial intelligence to make history feel more vivid.”

Journalists Son Lam and Hong Nhung take on the role of program hosts.

Music - The Main Thread Connecting Emotions Throughout the Program

Alongside meticulously produced documentaries and precious extracts from historical films, music is the main emotional thread throughout the program. It provides the audience with the feeling of watching a historical movie—profound and romantic, yet filled with pride. The performance stages combine continuous music, set designs, projection technology, and performances by many artists to create a multi-sensory epic—a visual, auditory, and emotional tribute to the capital's deep and rich history.

Many well-known artists participated in the program.

The production team also suggested using 3D Mapping to bring something new to the stage at Thang Long Imperial Citadel. To implement this plan, the team had to conduct several field surveys and consult with specialistson how best to utilize 3D Mapping and other visual effects to suit the program.

“With six layers of imagery, combining everything from hologram projections to 3D Mapping and LED screens, we are sure the stage will create some remarkable visual effects. It will show  a variety of settings, from Hanoi’s streets during the fiercest battles to the vast mountain jungles of the battlefront, or the triumphant flag-draped  capital   on Victory Day,” editor Thu Huong said.

The role of Music Director for Hanoi – Anthem of the Streets is taken by composer Luu Ha An, a native of Hanoi. He has always had a special love for the capital. Under his direction, the classic songs about Hanoi will evoke even more emotion. The music will vary in tone, sometimes grand and majestic like Nguoi Ha Noi (The People of Hanoi), other times poignant like the mashup Huong ve Ha Noi (Heading Towards Hanoi) – Ao mua dong (Winter Coat), or innocent and pure like Em be Ha Noi (The Little Girl of Hanoi). These songs will be performed by famous artists like Hong Nhung, Meritorious Artist Dang Duong, Meritorious Artist Trong Tan, Meritorious Artist Viet Hoan, People’s Artist Tan Minh, Pham Thu Ha, Bao Tram, Ta Quang Thang, Dong Hung, and more.

Hanoi - The Epic of the Streets will be broadcast live at 8:10 PM on October 10 on VTV1.