“Tuong” or “hat boi” (classical drama) is a traditional performing art in Vietnam, often carrying a heroic tone, celebrating heroes who dedicate themselves to their homeland, thereby conveying lessons about life and morality.
During its ruling time, the Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945) developed the art of Tuong (classical opera) to its brilliant peak. Hue’s Royal Tuong is an outstanding representative of classical theatre and the artistic heritage of the Vietnamese people.
A special contemporary dance show inspired by traditional classic drama (tuong) will be staged at the Tuoi Tre (Youth) Theatre in Hanoi on May 15, heard a press conference held on April 14.
A new documentary film on tuong or hat boi (classical theatre) produced by Vietnam Television will be released in Hanoi, Can Tho and HCM City this month as part of the station’s efforts to introduce Vietnamese culture and theatre to audiences.
How to attract audiences back to theatres remains a big question facing those who love Cai luong (reformed opera), a traditional art originating in southern Vietnam.
The Vietnam Tuong Theatre, formally known as the Northern Tuong Art Troup, celebrated its 60th anniversary in a ceremony at Hong Ha theatre, downtown Hanoi, on September 9.
Vietnamese performing arts include various types, with Cheo (traditional opera), Tuong (classical drama), cai luong (reformed theatre) and water puppetry being among the most commonly performed ones.
The Vietnam Tuong (classical drama) Theatre has staged a “tuong” play entitled “The legend of Redhill”, featuring Tuong artists of Vietnam and drama and dancing artists from Singapore.
Dozens of paintings and sculptures featuring performers and plays of Tuong and Hat Boi (classical drama), a Vietnamese traditional theatre originating in the 12th century, are now on display at the Garden Mall in HCM City.
Some 100 young traditional artists are performing at the National Traditional Art Talent Competition taking place in the central province of Thanh Hoa.
A new tuong (classical drama) show, the brainchild of a Vietnamese and Singaporean director, will be performed at Pohang Bada International Festival in the Republic of Korea in August.
Over 700 artists and actors from 11 art troupes nationwide will participate in the annual National Tuong (classic drama) and Traditional Folk Opera Contest in the central city on August 20-29.
Vietnam should publish books, video of tuong (classic drama), and host forums, talks, symposiums and shows at schools for students in order to preserve and promote traditional theatre.
