The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports has submitted a proposal to the municipal People’s Committee, seeking approval for the resumption of cultural and sports activities at the Sen Hong stage, formerly a vibrant venue with a history of hosting various events for children and tourists in downtown.

The Sen Hong stage, spanning about 10,000 square meters within 23/9 Park in District 1, has experienced significant deterioration over its four-year hiatus, which was dedicated to facilitating the park's renovation efforts.

Its roof and stands are now covered with moss and mold, while the entire area is marred by overflowing, malodorous garbage, presenting a potential hazard, including scattered drug needles.

Sen Hong, along with another stage located near the iconic Ben Thanh Market and Phuong Nam Art Theater's circus, used to comprise three lively stages in the vicinity of 23/9 Park, Ton That Can, vice-president of the Ho Chi Minh City Theater Association, said, adding that these stages would host events almost every night.

The 23/9 Park renovation plan and the construction of the city’s first metro line necessitated relocating the Phuong Nam circus to Gia Dinh Park in Go Vap District and temporarily closing the Sen Hong stage. 

As the metro development no longer affects the Sen Hong stage, advocates, including Can, are calling for its reopening, considering its prime location in the city center. 

Le Dien, director of Phuong Nam Art Theater, said that his theater has faced myriad challenges since relocating to Gia Dinh Park, citing distance and unfamiliarity as deterrents to audiences.

He asserted Sen Hong’s significance and urged its revitalization for cultural and artistic performances.

Other proponents emphasized that Sen Hong is an ideal outdoor stage, particularly for children and tourism gigs, offering proximity to popular venues like Nguyen Hue and Bui Vien Pedestrian Streets.

Reviving artistic performances at Sen Hong is considered a crucial factor in enriching the uniqueness of the city's nightlife tourism.

It would offer a favorable venue for cultural and artistic activities, contributing significantly to the vibrancy of the city's entertainment scene.

Pending approval by the municipal People’s Committee, the city’s culture department aims to restore the stage in time for the 2024 Lunar New Year, about seven weeks away, fostering a hub for free recreational activities catering to children and other age groups.

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