Vietnamese Culture Night (VCN) 2009:
Chan Troi Moi: A New Tomorrow

Looking Back, and to Tomorrow

We all followed Vinh’s journey towards college, feeling his frustration, anguish- and his passion. This year’s VCN focused on the Vietnamese American experience and gave us a look into the family dynamics and generation gap between parent and child, in issues of life and love. Vinh’s community or his family’s wellbeing. Mai’s relationship with Victor, gang leader and police officer. As the story unfolds, these threads flow together to tell a tale of growing up and striving for more as an immigrant in America.

Integrated within this story are the myriad talents of VCN’s Breakdancing, Drama, Modern dance, Nhip Am, Stage crew, and Traditional dance.

Purchase our VCN DVDs to capture the whole experience on film for convenient viewing.

This year's VCN

Who do you turn to when no one else can help you?
What are the stakes in reclaiming control?
How far are you willing to go?

Follow the story of Vinh Vo, a young man on a mission for tomorrow. Through the web of his life and the loved ones around him, stories of history, labor, struggle, abandoned dreams, forbidden loves, dirty money, bloody lies and more unravel in his quest for progress. Sometimes, you are willing to do so much when you are given so little. The Vietnamese American tale revisited.

Why is there a VCN?

Each year, the Vietnamese Student Union and supporting community members take the stage in Royce Hall as a testament to our community's emerging talents and beauty. This year marks the 29th Vietnamese Culture Night--an evening highlighting the history, culture and values of the Vietnamese American community. While it'll take fifteen weeks of intense planning and preparation leading up to the execution of VCN 2009, it is important to recognize the decades of challenges and overcoming obstacles within the Vietnamese American community that has made such a production possible. With each sweep on stage, each line spoken, each eight count danced, we pay homage to our ancestors, parents and families who have struggled through war and across seas to bring us to this stage in this point in time. We are the product of their struggle, and it is our responsibility to respectfully carry on the legacy of resilience, self-determination and strength within the Vietnamese American community. When we take the stage, we not only recognize this legacy, but we strive to instill it in each and every one of us from the backstage to the audience.

That being said, VCN 2009 is going to be OFF THE HOOK this year! Vietnamese Culture Night is more than just a one night show for your entertainment. VCN is the manifestation of community empowerment--a significant piece in the bigger movement for progress, positive change and critical consciousness. With the stage as our platform, VCN is our vehicle to speak out and empower our community, both on and off stage. Join VSU/VCN and be a part of the movement. Mark your calendars: January 19th, 2009!

Did you know?

1. VCN is in its 29th year in production
2. Over 1600 people came to watch the show last year
3. There were 180 participants last year
4. All student directed and produced
5. Includes a diverse group of particpants every year
6. The 1st Culture Night of the year
7. Large Budget production at Royce Hall

For all questions and info, holla at Sahra (VCN 2009 Director):
VCN2009[at]gmail[dot]com