A Tale of Two Cities

The relentless march of time sees communities rise and fall. Progress and development seem a given but despite the proof of history, humans forget that any civilisation can fall. Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam is a place of fast paced change but immediately over the river is an area called Thu Thiem. Once bustling with the kind of street life for which Vietnam is famous, the empty stretches of riverbank reveal only whispers of what once was a lively series of communities. Few said she was beautiful but many called her home.

Part 2: The film exists as a short film (festival cut) but also as a three channel work that further explores the themes of time and change that are central to the festival version.

The work was also developed as the first part of a site specific concept that explores the historical and political similarities between (former) East Germany and South Vietnam, and juxtaposes the two contemporary geographies. The multiscreen work was also created with its intended use in interactive dance-media performances.