Cultures from cities and provinces nationwide will be brought together in Hanoi to perform on the walking street around Hoan Kiem Lake, in an effort to diversify cultural activities in the area, enhance cultural exchanges between the capital and other localities as well as meet the demand for cultural enjoyment of Hanoians and visitors alike.
According to Nguyen Van Truc, who is Head of the Department of Art Management under the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sport, the project will set the standard for future performances in the city. The Hanoi Department of Culture and Sport has sent a document to the cultural management agencies of other provinces and cities, inviting them to come to Hanoi and enact special cultural and artistic performances on the streets around Hoan Kiem Lake. Hanoi has created the perfect conditions for the localities, with regards to performance space and security.
Recently, many localities from across the country have organised cultural art programmes on the walking street around Hoan Kiem Lake to introduce local culture and promote their destinations to tourists.
In November 2016, Ha Giang province organized the ‘Cultural space of Mong ethic group – Ha Giang in Hanoi’ programme, which featured traditional activities of the Mong, such as danh yen (similar to badminton), linen weaving, pan pipe dancing and the senh tien (castanets with strung coins) dance, the rituals of Gau Tao, alongside exhibitions of costumes, handicrafts and specialties.
In March 2017, Quang Binh province organised ‘Quang Binh in the heart of Hanoi’, with activities such as a photo exhibition and performances in “ca tru” (ceremonial singing) and “ho khoan” (a genre of Vietnamese folk music from Le Thuy district), as well as introducing the caves of Quang Binh.
Meanwhile, Ben Tre province has introduced Don Ca Tai Tu (traditional musical art form of the south) whilst Quang Nam province has promoted Bai Choi singing performance in Hanoi. In the future, a series of cultural and artistic performances of other cities and provinces will also be held.
In addition, the walking street around Hoan Kiem Lake is a place in which international artistic programmes can converge, including some of the world's most famous art programmes. In March 2017, the world-famous London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) presented the open-air ‘Vietnam Airlines Classic – Hanoi Concert 2017’, in Hanoi. Earlier, in September 20016 an art troupe from Russia also performed in walking street.
Currently, there are seven fixed places arranged for artists to perform in the walking street around Hoan Kiem Lake, on weekend evenings. Octagonal House features solo performances and concerts of traditional instruments and trumpets.
Meanwhile, the Labour theatre’s door showcases extracts of plays, while the area opposite the Ba Kieu temple is used to present traditional art programmes, such as cheo (traditional opera), cai luong (southern folk opera) and quan ho (love duet singing).
In addition, Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square introduces a variety show and circus programme and the Ho Guom cultural information centre’s door features modern music. The area around Vu Le statue introduces Xam singing, the Flower Clock area at the crossroads of Hang Bai - Hang Bai - Trang Tien - Dinh Tien Hoang features Flamenco music performances and the zone around Ly Thai To statue is used during major national holidays for the organisation of cultural, artistic and sport related activities.
