KVT – Buổi biểu diễn rất ấn tượng

Đào Anh Khánh and Phương Vũ Mạnh’s performance last Friday night was a little disappointing to some people. I applaud someone who has that much pulling power, and to bring an audience of that size to see a piece of performance art here is praiseworthy.

Also, his causes were good – collecting money for children in poor mountain areas is not to be criticised, even if it was initially unclear what the people parading with plastic boxes were collecting for.

Anh Khánh and Vũ Mạnh know how to put on a good show. The sets were impressive: towering bamboo, burning ladders, aerial acrobatic dancers, live body painting, cages ripped apart in performance. The quality of performance was, generally, very high as well – music, dance, and art melded well, and it all had the feel of a grand performance.

Here comes the (two) buts: The artists obviously aren’t pushing themselves. Both are obviously at the top of their game, and who do they have to compete with? No-one, which is why their performances are missing that little extra that makes me think “wow, I didn’t see that coming”. It’s that magic which makes a performance unique. As it is, it’s just a rustic light, sound, and dance show, made by a pair of eccentric artists.

The second point: probably clearer in retrospect, but the reaction to the Harley Davidson motorbike extravaganza was, on the whole, one of awe. A friend said to me afterwards “They’re amazing; all that metal, it was making my heart pound”. Certainly not the reaction Anh Khánh and Vũ Mạnh were looking for. The metal fetishist is not going to be jolted into seeing the environmental impact unless his favourite motorcycle is crushed before his eyes.

The consequence of having such a small scene is that there is little challenge for the artists. They need to push themselves more. The audience is there, the opportunities are there, now make great art.

Josh,
Reading your comment, I found it excellent.

Moderator,
On Feb 28th I posted my opinion on the “motorbike element” of the performance reviewed above in critical terms concerning its concept in relation to the environment.

I am somewhat surprised it did not make it since I do not see it published.

It is my belief that without critical approach in assessment of an art act there can not be possibility of evolution…

@ The Hanoi Grapevine Team,

Many thanks for your reply — I appreciate it greatly.

(Perhaps it was a glitch in the system for my comment not to appear.
Unfortunately I do not keep it on file to re-post, but when submitted it appeared for the moment under the note “awaiting moderation” and at that time the above article was not posted yet).

But, let me try again and recapture my critique of the “motorbike performance” in particular — all in all the concept of bringing a number of Harley Davidson motorbikes in one spot and revving/burning fuel/tyres was not only unsuccessful in raising our awareness of already polluted environment, but downright questionable — if anything ” the performance” only polluted the surroundings some more…+ it did register with me as not much else, but a Harley Davidson promotional stunt…

I well understand the symbolism and irony as valuable tools in bringing a message across, but do object to art which excuses the means to supposedly deliver the ends.

From this point of view the performance was questionable and unfortunately reduced itself to a tacky entertainment.

Perhaps my critique sounds harsh, but I do greatly respect and honor artists’ efforts in creating art and believe that an honest look at any art act is mandatory.