This production commemorates the 717th anniversary of Emperor Tran Nhan Tong's passing into Nirvana (1308-2025). "Tran Nhan Tong" brings together a team that is both familiar and new compared to the two previous productions. This includes Dr. Bui Huu Duoc writing the script, Meritorious Artist Phan Ngoc Chi adapting it into Cai Luong (Vietnamese traditional opera), People's Artist Tong Toan Thang and Meritorious Artist Tran Quang Khai co-directing, People's Artist Le Tuan Cuong and People's Artist Tong Toan Thang in artistic direction, Master Nguyen Thi Tuyet Minh choreographing the dance, and People's Artist Nguyen Huynh Tu composing and arranging the music .
The play vividly and completely recreates the life of King Tran Nhan Tong, the Buddhist Emperor, from his birth and upbringing to his ascension to the throne, leading the people of Dai Viet to victory against the Mongol invaders, to his journey of abdicating the throne, becoming a monk, and ultimately becoming the First Patriarch of the Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen sect.
Speaking at the press conference for the play's premiere on the afternoon of December 17th in Hanoi , People's Artist Trieu Trung Kien said that the collaboration between the Vietnam Cai Luong Theatre and the Vietnam Circus Federation began in 2020. The two works, "The Magic Wand" and "The Heavenly Holy Mother," have created a positive impact, opening up a new direction for traditional theatre.
People's Artist Tong Toan Thang, Director of the Vietnam Circus Federation and director of all three performances combining Cai Luong (Vietnamese traditional opera) and circus arts, said that based on experience from previous projects, the creative team seamlessly combined the two art forms, so that the circus acts did not stand alone but became illustrative, supplementary elements that enriched the emotional narrative of the performance.
Regarding the play "Tran Nhan Tong," People's Artist Tong Toan Thang stated that the team chose a square stage instead of a round one to better utilize the modern sound, lighting, and projection technology, thereby enhancing visual impact and entertainment value. "Although it's a play about historical themes, honoring the Buddhist Emperor Tran Nhan Tong, we emphasize the entertainment element, aiming to appeal to a wide range of audiences and tourists," People's Artist Tong Toan Thang explained.
Director Tran Quang Khai, who has previously worked on two projects combining Cai Luong (Vietnamese traditional opera) and circus arts, and who also played the role of Emperor Tran Nhan Tong in the play "The Buddhist King," shared that in "Tran Nhan Tong," the team chose representative moments from the Emperor's life to portray, investing more in expressive language, technology, and entertainment to make the performance as relatable and accessible as possible when conveying meaningful historical messages.
Participating in a performance combining traditional Vietnamese opera and circus arts for the first time, choreographer Nguyen Thi Tuyet Minh expressed that upon first encountering the script, she realized the work not only explored historical themes but also conveyed the aspiration to bring the images of national heroes closer to today's public through contemporary artistic language. Therefore, the team used body language to connect traditional opera, circus arts, and music in a unified whole, presenting the historical story in a relatable and easily accessible way.
In the performance, the audience enjoys sweet and soulful Cai Luong songs, while also being captivated by circus acts involving juggling, trampolines, rope swinging, and aerial acrobatics. Notably, the performance boldly incorporates animal acts such as monkeys, goats, and pigs into the stage setting, recreating a rural village, market scene, and natural setting that is both visually rich and entertaining.
The system of movable platforms and stage bases, combined with LED projection screens, stage scenery, and decorations, creates a multi-dimensional, multi-layered space.
The play "Tran Nhan Tong" will be performed at 8 PM on December 20, 21, and 28 at the square stage – Central Circus (IONAH Entertainment Center).
On this occasion, representatives of the Tran Family Council of Vietnam presented the creative team with several paintings and sculptures to be auctioned off, with the proceeds going towards promoting the performance.
Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/ke-chuyen-phat-hoang-tran-nhan-tong-bang-nghe-thuat-cai-luong-va-xiec-727227.html
Comment (0)