HCMC – Thanh Kieu exhibition, which explores the cultural and artistic legacy of The Tale of Kieu, Vietnam’s most celebrated literary work, has been opened in town to mark the 205th death anniversary of the great poet Nguyen Du.
The exhibition, held at 2B Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Da Kao Ward, District 1, HCMC, will showcase a range of artistic interpretations, from visual art to live performances, offering visitors an interactive experience with the 19th-century epic poem.
The exhibition features works by artist Nguyen Duc Tin and sculptor Dinh Duy Ton, examining themes of ideological heritage, gender roles, and cultural adaptation.
Visitors can engage with traditional folk practices such as boi Kieu (fortune-telling using verses from the poem) and tap Kieu (poetic recitation), as well as an interactive display of traditional Vietnamese musical instruments.
“This exhibition showcases how contemporary art can reinterpret and make the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam accessible in new, creative ways. Bringing 8 artworks, Nguyen Duc Tin told The Saigon Times, ‘Before, I saw The Tale of Kieu simply as a literary work with little relevance to my life. However, after revisiting it and hearing more interpretations, I realized that some social issues it raised still exist today, though in a different form.”
Damien Cole, a foreign freelance actor who has been living in HCMC for almost 10 years, said, “Thanks to this exhibition, I discovered The Tale of Kieu and Nguyen Du. It is an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Vietnamese culture. The story is fascinating, highlighting social issues through the works of writers and poets. I am especially intrigued by boi Kieu – I have many projects at the moment, and maybe boi Kieu will offer me answers about the future.”
The exhibition runs from March 4 to April 3, with free entry.
