Artists propose ways to enliven Ho Chi Minh City pedestrian street

After opening in late April, the street in District 1 has gradually become a favorite hang-out among city-dwellers, particularly youngsters, and tourists.

By daytime, the zone is frequented by strollers and morning exercisers, and also makes a nice setting for bridal and artistic photo and filming shoots.

As night falls, the place is packed with groups of youngsters who rehearse and perform street arts and play sports such as freestyle dance and skating, mostly on a spontaneous basis, and their expectant spectators.

A girl, as pictured on July 12, 2015, celebrates her 23th birthday by blindfolding herself and insisting on free hugs from passers-by
on Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street, located in downtown Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Tuoi Tre

People from different walks of life also gather for night dancing sessions.

However, the street remains in its infancy, while plans to stage a wide array of cultural and artistic activities in the area are still on the drawing board.

Phan Nguyen Nhu Khue, director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports, said the municipal People’s Committee, which is in charge of Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street, does have plans to enhance the street’s appeal with cultural and art performances.

The committee has requested competent agencies, including the District 1 People’s Committee, the Department of Transport, the Department of Culture and Sports, and the Department of Tourism to come up with proposals to orient and facilitate the growth of the street.

Artists’ suggestions

Seasoned artists have articulated their propositions on how to make the walking street more alluring in the long run.

Tran Vuong Thach, director of the Ho Chi Minh City Ballet Symphony Orchestra and Opera (HBSO), suggested putting up several small stages in the area, which he said relevant agencies have taken into consideration.

“HBSO artists are always available for performances to be staged on the street. We have also come up with several ideas which we will turn into actions in the coming time,” he added.

A group of freestyle dancers are seen performing on Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street, drawing a large crowd of spectators.
Photo: Tuoi Tre

While excluding the possibility of organizing symphony performances on a regular basis in the area, Thach finds concerts of semiclassical music and recitals in brass instruments and percussion a riveting boost to the ambiance.

“Apart from brief art shows, excerpts of musicals and classic plays which span between 30 and 45 minutes will become a major appeal to visitors. Local audiences are particularly fond of “don ca tai tu” [southern Vietnamese music singing], “cai luong” [reformed theater] and folk music, which also intrigue foreigners, so such performances will be a great addition,” he noted.

Routines of children’s music, puppetry, circus and illusion should also be a must if the area is to cheer kids up.

Street artists should hold exchanges with their audiences and show them how to sing or dance along, the veteran artist urged.

Meanwhile, beloved saxophonist Tran Manh Tuan underscored that he and his team, Saigon Big Band, cannot wait to stage concerts on a regular basis on Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street.

The band has performed at several public venues, including Bitexco Financial Tower – Ho Chi Minh City's tallest building – in District 1 and trade centers in the foreigner-packed Phu My Hung urban area in District 7 over the past several years, and are heartily welcomed by local and expat audiences alike, he added.

“Pedestrian squares in other countries boast such diverse cultural activities. Artists have been permitted by a local agency to give performances of jazz, folk and modern dance at the Old Quarter in Hanoi on weekends,” Tuan pointed out.

Likewise, Nguyen Thi Hai Phuong, an acclaimed “dan tranh” (16-chord zither) artist, proposed that the 600-meter street be divided into sections for different art forms.

Entertainment acts should be intertwined with music-manipulated performances which are currently offered at the zone at certain hours during the day, she advised.

A performance of traditional music on Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street. Photo: Tuoi Tre

“Brief programs accentuating Vietnamese traditional culture, costumes, cuisine and art should also be included. Such programs will both appeal to visitors and nurture appreciation for the country’s traditional art among local children,” Phuong underlined.

The seasoned performer recommended that such non-profit activities be funded by companies, non-governmental cultural foundations, or even shops operating in the area.

Land plots within the pedestrian street which are dedicated to such non-profit cultural endeavors should be leased at reasonable prices, Phuong noted.