Pajieng, meaning “Rebirth” in Cham, is the second experiment in the long-term project Haluw (Origin), initiated by artist Vạn Huyền. It continues her exploration of Cham identity from the perspective of a new generation.
Beginning with the question “What existed before the jar?”, the work traces two parallel searches: the origins of an object and the artist’s own roots. Through the encounter between earth and water, stillness and movement, Pajieng reflects on fragmented memories, surviving traces, and identities shaped across generations. What has been lost, and what might be reborn from what remains?
Artist Introductions
Vạn Huyền
Vạn Huyền is a Cham artist from Ninh Thuận who began exploring movement through the dance performance Palao in Hội An in 2018. Her encounter with contemporary dance prompted reflections on ancestry, as well as the energy and spontaneity embedded in Cham ritual dances.
She has since developed an interdisciplinary practice as a performer, co-creator, choreographer, and founder of the Haluw project. Her notable projects include Kauthara, Mai – Marai, and her first solo work, Gilaong – Hướng, which has evolved through artistic residencies and performance programmes across Vietnam.
Thuận Ngọc Hòa
A Cham traditional musician, Thuận Ngọc Hòa began pursuing a professional career in music immediately after graduating from high school. He has gained performance experience through major productions such as Palao, À Ố Show, and Rối Mơ, and explored traditional musical materials through the Hợi Tý project.
In December 2024, he founded Hagait Ni, a project dedicated to preserving Cham culture. He currently works as a composer and orchestra manager for the Seasound project in Ninh Bình.
Ja Việt
Ja Việt was born and raised in Plei Hamu Tanran village (Hữu Đức, Ninh Thuận), where Cham folk music is deeply woven into community life and traditional festivals.
He began learning the Ginang drum at the age of 12, gradually discovering the depth of music and the cultural values of his heritage. Since then, he has continued to learn and practise, incorporating traditional sounds into his artistic journey. Việt currently works at Nhà hát Đó in Nha Trang and performs as a musician in the production Chum.
Ngọc Hữu Saranai
Ngọc Hữu Saranai was born and raised in his hometown of Hamu Tanran village (Hữu Đức, Ninh Thuận). From an early age, he accompanied traditional music masters, learning and performing music at Cham festivals.
He currently works at Đó Theatre in Nha Trang as a performer in Chum Show. He previously played the Saranai oboe in the production Palao in Hội An. Through his continued practice of traditional music, Hữu seeks to explore and preserve the musical heritage of the Cham people, bringing its distinctive sounds into contemporary life and performance.
Programme Information
- Programme: Dance & Live Music Performance “Pajieng / Rebirth”
- Date and Time: Thursday, 5 November 2026, 20:00–21:00
- Venue: Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture
- Director, Choreographer & Dance Performer: Vạn Huyền
- Live Music Performers: Ngọc Hữu Saranai, Ja Việt
- Music Consultant & Sound Engineer: Thuận Ngọc Hòa
- Co-produced by: MORUA, A Sông, Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture, and the Da Nang Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism
Production Team
Lighting Design & Operator: Dương Quốc Khoa.
Stage Manager: Nguyễn Hạ Xuân Nguyên.
Line Producer: Wu Lâm Đức Khang.
Volunteer Management: Lý Lê Minh Trang.
Promotion (MORUA): Vũ Tường Vi, Wu Lâm Đức Khang.
Trailer Filming & Editing: sinh tố bơ ít đường nhiều sữa.
Production Managers: Ngô Thanh Phương, Red, Vạn Huyền.
The performance is part of Da Nang Art Creatives Connection (DACC) 2026, themed “History of Tomorrow”, taking place from 30 October to 8 November 2026.
DA NANG TOURISM PROMOTION CENTER
Information and images provided by: Organising Committee of Da Nang Art Creatives Connection 2026
