Under the theme “Harmony of Heritage,” the program opens a journey into the cultural landscapes of Central Vietnam through the language of contemporary stage art.

This new version, staged by general director Nguyen Bong Mai, is not merely an upgrade but a shift in how heritage stories are told. Through lighting, music, choreography, costume and modern stage design, the production recreates distinctive cultural values of the region, creating a dialogue between tradition and creativity, between past and present.

The show is structured into three main segments, each corresponding to a representative cultural space.

The opening transports audiences to Hue - the land of royal court culture and martial spirit. Elements from Nguyen dynasty rituals are distilled and reimagined within a solemn stage setting. The imagery of Ho Quyen, the traditional cup dance, and the refined yet resolute spirit of the former imperial capital are portrayed as hallmarks of Hue, recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site in 1993.

The next segment unfolds the cultural world of Champa, where spiritual life and belief systems are revived through the Kate festival, Apsara dance and the water procession ritual. The sounds of traditional horns and drums, combined with symbolic body movements, create a vivid tableau of the deep bond between humans, deities and nature in the once-flourishing Champa civilization.

The journey concludes in Hoi An - a symbol of folk rhythms and communal spirit. Bai Choi music is woven throughout as a thread linking past and present, evoking the rustic charm of fishing villages and the vibrant life of the ancient town. The image of bamboo - a symbol of resilience and endurance - becomes a focal point, conveying a message about Vietnamese identity through the tides of change.

With more than 20 years of experience in producing large-scale artistic programs, Nguyen Bong Mai has previously led numerous stage, musical and interdisciplinary projects that combine visual arts and extreme sports. Beyond her directing role, she is currently a creative expert and regional market development specialist in Vietnam and across Asia, focusing on connecting indigenous cultural values with commercial orientation and international collaboration.

Her 99-day journey across Vietnam to explore the lives and cultures of ethnic communities, along with exhibition and publishing projects on traditional costumes, laid the foundation for this refined yet contemporary version. Accompanying her is a team of young choreographers, artists and dedicated production members who help shape a vivid performance space where heritage is told through emotion and modern theatrical language.

Tinh Le