Witness the Ethereal Beauty of Hội An’s Harvest Season Through “Rơm”—A Captivating Sunset Dance Performance

Hội An, Vietnam As the warm glow of the setting sun bathes the lush rice fields of Hội An in a golden hue, a mesmerizing dance performance is set to transport visitors to the heart of Vietnam’s rural charm. Introducing “Rơm” (Straw), a captivating one-of-a-kind cultural experience that honors the idyllic beauty and age-old traditions of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Orchestrated by the collaborative efforts of Hội An City and the renowned Arabesque Vietnam dance company, “Rơm” is poised to captivate audiences from August 22–25, 2024. This innovative production seamlessly blends contemporary dance with the rich tapestry of live traditional Vietnamese music, inviting spectators to immerse themselves in the enchanting rhythms and movements that pay homage to the region’s agricultural heritage.

“Through ‘Rơm,’ we aim to showcase the tranquil splendor of Hội An’s countryside during the harvest season,” explains Nguyễn Văn Lanh, Deputy Chairman of Hội An City People’s Committee. “This performance is not just a feast for the senses but a profound celebration of the resilience, ingenuity, and timeless traditions that have shaped the identity of the Vietnamese people.”

Directing this mesmerizing spectacle is the acclaimed Nguyễn Tấn Lộc, Artistic Director, who has masterfully woven together the elements of contemporary dance and traditional folk music. Joining him is Đức Trí, the talented music director, whose dynamic compositions breathe life into the rhythmic narrative.

“‘Rơm’ is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Vietnamese farmer,” says Nguyễn Tấn Lộc. “The humble straw pile, a constant companion to generations of families, serves as a silent witness to the cycle of life, love, and loss that has unfolded across these fields. Through the language of dance and music, we aim to pay homage to this profound connection between the land, the people, and the traditions that have stood the test of time.”

A Breathtaking Backdrop: Hội An’s Harvest-Gilded Landscapes

The performance of “Rơm” will unfold against the breathtaking backdrop of Hội An’s lush rice fields, where the setting sun casts a warm, golden glow over the gently swaying crops. This idyllic landscape serves as the perfect canvas for the dancers to weave their enchanting narrative, inviting the audience to fully immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and emotions of the harvest season.

“As the audience settles in, they will be struck by the sheer beauty of the surroundings,” says Official Nguyễn Văn Lanh. “The expansive rice fields, the gentle breeze, and the tranquil atmosphere will create a sense of timelessness, allowing them to truly connect with the essence of rural Vietnamese life.”

Throughout the 60-minute performance, the dancers will seamlessly transition between graceful, contemporary movements and the more grounded, earthy rhythms of traditional Vietnamese dance. The live music, performed by a talented ensemble, will further amplify the emotive power of the performance, transporting the audience through a tapestry of melodies that evoke the cycle of life in the countryside.

“Rơm” as a Celebration of Hội An’s Cultural Heritage

Beyond its captivating artistic merits, “Ram” serves as a powerful celebration of Hội An’s rich cultural heritage and its status as a UNESCO Creative City. The performance is a testament to the city’s unwavering commitment to preserving its unique identity while embracing innovation and creativity.

“This dance performance is a pivotal moment in Hội An’s journey as a thriving hub of cultural exchange and artistic expression,” says Nguyễn Văn Lanh. “By bringing international-caliber talent and production to our city, we are not only sharing our own traditions with the world but also fostering new creative dialogues that will inspire and enrich our community.”

The choice of the straw pile as the central symbolic motif in “Rơm” is a deliberate nod to the ingenuity and resilience of the Vietnamese people. The humble straw, a byproduct of the rice harvest, has long been repurposed and transformed into an array of practical and artistic items, from baskets and hats to intricate sculptures and decorations.

“The straw pile is more than just a functional element; it is a tangible representation of the generational wisdom and the deep connection between the people and the land,” explains Nguyễn Tấn Lộc. “As the dancers move through the performance, the straw pile serves as a constant, unchanging witness to the ebb and flow of life, symbolizing the enduring spirit of the Vietnamese farmer.”

By celebrating this enduring cultural heritage, “RTM” aligns seamlessly with Hội An’s vision of becoming an ecological-cultural-tourist destination that showcases its unique blend of natural beauty, artistic innovation, and sustainable development.

A Sensory Immersion for Locals and Visitors ALike

The “Rơm” performance is not just a captivating artistic showcase but a multisensory experience that invites both local and international audiences to fully immerse themselves in the essence of Hội An’s harvest season.

“As the audience settles into their seats and the first notes of the music fill the air, we want them to feel as if they have been transported to the heart of the Vietnamese countryside,” says Nguyễn Văn Lanh. “The sights, the sounds, the scents—everything will come together to create a truly unforgettable experience that will linger long after the performance has ended.”

For residents, “Rơm” will serve as a poignant reminder of the deep-rooted traditions and values that have shaped their community, while also fostering a renewed sense of pride and appreciation for their cultural heritage.

“This performance is not just for the tourists; it is for the people of Hội An as well,” says Nguyễn Tấn Lộc. “We want our local audience to reconnect with the rhythms and stories that have been passed down through generations and to feel the pulse of their ancestral land and the resilience of their community.”

For international visitors, “Rơm” will offer a unique and immersive glimpse into the heart of Vietnamese rural life, shattering stereotypes and inviting them to forge a deeper, more meaningful connection with the country and its people.

“When the audience leaves the performance, we hope they will carry with them a profound understanding and appreciation of the beauty, the ingenuity, and the enduring spirit that define the Vietnamese farmer,” says Nguyễn Văn Lanh. “This is more than just a dance performance; it is a cultural exchange, a celebration of our shared humanity, and a testament to the power of art to transcend borders and touch the hearts of all who experience it.”

“Rơm” will be performed on August 22–25, 2024, at the Hội An Rice Heart field in Cẩm Châu Ward, Hội An City, Quảng Nam Province. The performances will take place at sunset, between 5:30 and 6:30 pm, allowing audiences to fully immerse themselves in the golden glow of the fading day. Tickets will be available for purchase through the official Hội An tourism website and various ticketing platforms.

Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the ethereal beauty of Hội An’s harvest season come alive in the captivating “Rơm” dance performance. Reserve your tickets now and prepare to be enchanted by this cultural odyssey that celebrates the enduring spirit of the Vietnamese people.