Keeping the flame of Tuong (traditional Vietnamese opera) alive in Hanoi's Old Quarter.

If you have the chance to experience the pedestrian street near Ho Guom Lake every Friday and Sunday evening, you will see a small corner on Ma May Street illuminated by stage lights. There, you will find excerpts from familiar plays of the past...

Tourists are captivated by the traditional Vietnamese opera performances in the Old Quarter. (Photo: Phuong Anh)

Here, locals and tourists can enjoy free performances of many famous works of traditional Vietnamese opera (Tuong) performed by retired artists from the Vietnam Tuong Theatre.

Through years of dedication, they have nurtured their passion for this unique art form and aspire to spread it to a wider audience, especially the younger generation.

Special Troupe

Although deeply rooted in Vietnamese cultural identity, Tuong (classical Vietnamese opera) is more difficult to learn and perform than other art forms because it requires harmonious coordination between dance, singing, and acting.

This art form often draws its themes from historical events, literature, and even everyday emotional stories. Each work has its own unique style, but all aim for humanistic values ​​and profound messages.

Currently, Tuong (Vietnamese classical opera) is in danger of fading away and being forgotten. Therefore, in order for this unique art form to continue to maintain its identity and become more accessible to audiences, especially young audiences, senior artists who are still passionate about the profession are needed.

Having retired in 2018, People's Artist Huong Thom has always been deeply concerned about the declining audience for Tuong (Vietnamese classical opera), and she hopes that performances will attract audiences so that they can appreciate the beauty and artistry of Tuong.

She shared: "We know it's difficult, but we are always ready to pass on our passion for the craft to future generations. Moreover, I believe that if Tuong (traditional Vietnamese opera) is introduced into schools, it will create new opportunities, helping children understand and love this traditional art form from a young age."

With the permission of the Hanoi Old Quarter Management Board, this unique theater troupe has been performing from January 2024 until now.

Currently, the group has 19 members, mostly retired artists, but their burning passion motivates them to continue performing to keep the flame of traditional Tuong opera burning brightly.

To prepare for the performance, the Tuong (Vietnamese classical opera) artists must arrive early to get their makeup done. For them, this is a meticulous process that takes 1-2 hours.

Every brushstroke and color block clearly reflects the personality of the character the artist portrays. That's why, traditionally, Tuong actors have had to do their own makeup, transforming themselves into professional painters.

On Ma May Street, they chose to perform familiar excerpts such as "The Old Man Carrying His Wife to the Festival"; "The Girl's Soul Transforms into a Fox"; "Clams, Snails, and Mussels"...

These are exceptional excerpts that the artists have performed and rehearsed throughout their years in the profession. Therefore, each artist brings the soul of the character to the performance, allowing visitors to fully experience the emotions of the experience.

Having been involved with Tuong (Vietnamese classical opera) for about 40 years, People's Artist Van Thuy emotionally shared: "Many people, after watching the performance, came to ask us about Tuong art. Domestic and foreign audiences were very enthusiastic, and even children as young as 5-6 years old sat with their parents watching the performance from beginning to end."

"Meeting people who love Tuong (Vietnamese classical opera), especially young generations who are so interested in this art form, makes me very happy. This is encouraging, as it shows that Tuong can reach a younger audience more easily."

A performance by a Tuong (traditional Vietnamese opera) artist on Ma May Street. (Photo: Phuong Anh)

Diligently keeping the passion for the craft alive.

Since its early days, the traditional opera troupe of these elderly artists has become a unique source of entertainment for locals and tourists alike whenever they visit the Old Quarter.

Many tourists, both domestic and international, have found another interesting stop when strolling through Hanoi's Old Quarter.

The show is free, but everything is meticulously prepared, from sound, lighting, costumes, and props to the characters and content.

All of these elements combine to create an impressive and colorful show, immersing the audience in a space illuminated by the passion, dedication, and "living for art, dying for art" spirit of the artists.

With their meticulous acting and character portrayal, Tuong artists transport the audience into the world of each character.

Through every gesture and line of dialogue, each artist demonstrates their professionalism and passion, creating vibrant and meaningful works of art that offer visitors an unforgettable cultural experience.

Embodying the role in the excerpt "The Fox's Soul," Meritorious Artist Bich Tan left a deep impression on the audience. Having played this role for about 18 years, the female artist has mastered every action, facial expression, and psychological aspect of the character with subtlety and vividness.

She shared: “Every time I perform, I feel like I'm living the character. This role not only requires high-level acting skills, a powerful voice, and good health, but also a deep understanding of the character's soul and fate. I always want to bring the audience the most authentic and moving performances.”

Whether the weather is hot or drizzly, that street corner remains brightly lit, attracting many spectators and tourists who stop to enjoy the show.

Perhaps, this is not just a place for artistic performances, but also a place where traditional cultural values ​​are cherished, honored, and disseminated.

People's Artist Huong Thom is always deeply concerned about the fact that the art of Tuong (Vietnamese classical opera) is increasingly lacking young audiences. (Photo: Phuong Anh)

The Tuong artists in Hanoi's Old Quarter are not only preservers but also pioneers in renewing and popularizing Tuong art.

They have made and continue to make significant contributions to preserving and promoting a precious cultural heritage of the nation, while simultaneously fostering pride and love for traditional art among the public, especially the younger generation.

These performances are not only an opportunity for Tuong artists to showcase their talents, but also a place for meeting, socializing, and exchanging ideas among those who love traditional art.

Although there are still many difficulties in bringing Tuong closer to the audience, especially young audiences, in this way, this art form imbued with the national spirit will continue to exist and develop alongside the rhythm of young people's lives.

This is clear evidence that, with the passion and tireless dedication of retired artists, Tuong art can absolutely regain its rightful place in the hearts of modern audiences.

Tuong, also known as Hat Boi or Hat Boi, refers to a unique traditional Vietnamese theatrical art form. With its sophisticated literary language seamlessly blending classical Chinese and Vietnamese script, Tuong is a comprehensive art form encompassing literature, painting, music , and performance, reflecting the traditional values ​​and identity of the nation. Currently, various interpretations and a lack of consensus exist regarding the origin and historical development of Tuong.

Most researchers assert that Tuong is the oldest form of theatrical art, present in all three regions of the country, originating in the North and gradually spreading to the Central and Southern regions. Notably, Tuong reached its peak around the 18th-19th centuries, and was considered the national drama by the Nguyen dynasty.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/giu-lua-tuong-บน-pho-co-ha-noi-272454.html