The Funky Monkeys @ Vietnam

The Funky Monkeys conquered Saigon with their exhilarating performance at the Saigon Urban Street Fest, organized by artLIVE in collaboration with the Goethe-Institut HCMC. The invitation extended by Institute Director Mailan Thai led to an unforgettable two-week journey filled with new experiences and cultural exchange.

Joined by founders Toan Le and Ferenc Heinrich, along with four talented local artists – hip-hop dancers Sơn Lương and Chuoi, contemporary dancer Vu Quang (from the Saigon Contemporary & Ballet Dance Company), and handstand artist from the À Ố Show (Saigon Opera House), Quach The Nam – they delivered a series of unforgettable performances in front of Saigon's iconic landmark, the Old Saigon Post Office in District 1, from December 8th to 10th, 2023.

Their show "Groove," which typically tours Europe in the summer, underwent a transformation enriched with Vietnamese influences, showcasing genuine intercultural and interdisciplinary exchange. With the aim of making the festival accessible to all, The Funky Monkeys performed for thousands of spectators, offering a barrier-free and free-of-charge cultural experience.

In a celebration of diversity and collaboration, the performers seamlessly integrated Vietnamese elements into their performance, creating a unique blend of circus artistry and urban dance. Language barriers were overcome as they interacted with the audience in both Vietnamese and English, ensuring that both international tourists and local residents could fully engage in the spectacle.

The collaboration with local creatives not only added depth to their performance but also fostered meaningful connections between Germany and Vietnam, showcasing the power of art to unite across borders. The Funky Monkeys' journey to Saigon was not just about presenting a show – it was about promoting cultural exchange and leaving a lasting impression on both the artists and the audience.