Recently, more than 200 Vietnamese students, along with international students from the United States, China, Laos, and Australia, had the opportunity to directly access, learn about, and experience Tuong (Vietnamese classical opera) art through a series of interactive activities organized by the University of Education in collaboration with the Nguyen Hien Dinh Tuong Art Troupe (Da Nang Traditional Arts Theatre).
When Tuong entered the lecture hall
Unlike traditional performances on professional stages, the program is designed to "bring Tuong closer to students," creating an open school environment where young people are not just passive spectators but also directly participate in the process of exploring this art form.
The program opened with a performance of an excerpt from the classic play "Thi Kinh - Thi Mau," featuring highly stylized acting, expressive body language, and characteristic music of Tuong (Vietnamese classical opera). Many students, especially international students, expressed their delight at the unique and expressive storytelling style of this traditional Vietnamese theatrical art form.
Besides enjoying the performance, students also participated in activities to learn about Tuong (Vietnamese classical opera) through the mini-game "Tuong - Path - Journey - Deed," interacted with artists through Q&A sessions, and experienced painting Tuong masks, one of the important visual elements that make up the identity of this art form.
According to People's Artist Phan Van Quang, Head of the Nguyen Hien Dinh Traditional Opera Troupe, organizing the program in a school environment is of particular importance in the context of traditional art facing many challenges in reaching young audiences.
"Traditional Vietnamese opera (Tuong) is a highly scholarly art form that requires viewers to have the right conditions to understand and appreciate it. When introduced into schools, especially universities, Tuong is no longer something unfamiliar but becomes a vibrant and accessible cultural experience," Mr. Quang shared.
According to Mr. Quang, combining performances with practical experiences such as mask painting and learning the meaning of melodies and movements has helped students approach Tuong (Vietnamese classical opera) through multiple senses, thereby creating a deeper and more lasting impression.
Cultural education through experience
According to Dr. Ho Tran Ngoc Oanh, Head of the Faculty of Literature and Communication, University of Education - Da Nang University, the program is part of the Event Organization course, aiming to provide students with opportunities to practice and develop event organizing skills through practical experience.
“When students directly interact with artists, observe, learn about, and participate in activities related to Tuong (Vietnamese classical opera), they not only hone event organizing skills such as scriptwriting, activity coordination, teamwork, and cultural event communication, but also gain a deeper understanding of this traditional art form in a contemporary context,” emphasized Dr. Ho Tran Ngoc Oanh.
According to Dr. Ho Tran Ngoc Oanh, the core of the program is that students learn through experience, helping them transform knowledge into professional skills while fostering an appreciation for, preservation of, and dissemination of national cultural values.
In particular, for international students, the program offers an opportunity to experience Vietnamese culture in a visual, vivid, and emotionally rich way, thereby contributing to promoting the cultural image of Da Nang in particular and Vietnam in general to the international community.
The highlight of the program is the hands-on experience of painting Tuong (Vietnamese classical opera) masks. Artists directly demonstrate each step of the makeup process, explaining the meaning of each color and line on the face of the characters, from righteous and loyal protagonists to treacherous officials and folk comedic roles. Students are invited to participate in the practice, thereby gaining a deeper understanding of the aesthetic depth and symbolic thinking of Tuong art.
A vibrant and enthusiastic atmosphere permeated the auditorium, showcasing the appeal of traditional art when presented in a way that resonates with young people.
Khampheng Phomma, a student from Laos, shared her surprise and delight at this traditional Vietnamese art form, which she encountered for the first time.
“I was very impressed with the makeup and expressions of the Tuong characters. Each color and line on the face carried its own meaning. When the artists explained and I personally painted the masks, I felt I understood Tuong much better,” Khampheng said.
According to Khampheng, such activities not only help international students learn more about Vietnamese culture but also create connections and cultural exchange among students from different countries studying in Da Nang.
It can be said that "Listening to Traditional Opera Stories" is not only an artistic performance program, but also an effective cultural education model, contributing to bringing traditional art back to contemporary life, especially in a multicultural school environment like the University of Education - Da Nang University.
In the context of increasingly deep international integration, such activities serve as a bridge to ensure that Tuong art – a precious cultural heritage of the nation – continues to be preserved, spread, and live on with the younger generation today and in the future.
Source: https://baodanang.vn/dua-tuong-den-voi-sinh-vien-3317137.html
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