Always give your all to your passion.

For circus artist Phùng Minh Cương, the opportunity to shine alongside his fellow performers, receive enthusiastic applause from the audience, and gain high praise from professionals is a source of great happiness.

Recently, Vietnamese circus has seen positive developments with new projects. In particular, the performance "The Mysterious Land" at the Gia Dinh Park Theater (Go Vap District, Ho Chi Minh City) has created a huge sensation. The organizers have continuously added more performances, but still cannot meet the demand of the large audience.

Talent, passion

Phùng Minh Cương (23 years old) is a prominent figure in the show "The Mysterious Land". He won a silver medal at the 2022 International Circus Festival and the "Audience Favorite" award at the 2024 National Circus Talent Competition with his "Group Juggling" act.

Before reaping the rewards of his hard work, the young man from Hanoi went through a period of uncertainty. After graduating with a degree in group juggling from the Vietnam Circus and Variety Arts College, he didn't pursue a professional career but instead went to Phu Quoc to perform street shows for tourists. However, after only a year, Cuong realized that repeating monotonous performances would stifle his career and diminish his artistic inspiration. So, Cuong moved to Ho Chi Minh City to pursue his career and joined the Southern Arts Theatre circus troupe.

Here, he had the opportunity to perform and compete professionally, further solidifying his reputation. The success of "The Mysterious Land" was a well-deserved reward for the team after three months of diligent training. It's rare to find a circus production with such a well-structured and polished script. For the first time, state-of-the-art 3D sound and lighting technology, LED screens, water and fire effects, and a spectacular stage design were applied, creating a harmonious blend of circus and dance. Through this, the story was conveyed completely without dialogue. Many climactic and visually stunning segments took the audience from one surprise to another. Not only young people but also many older audiences flocked to the theater. Minh Cương's image as the God of Fire, appearing powerfully in his red armor, his handsome face hidden behind a mysterious mask amidst the fast-paced rhythm, continuously showcased his skillful abilities.

Phùng Minh Cương transforms into "Fire God" and performs a fire circle dance.

Continuous effort

Working alongside dedicated colleagues, Minh Cương passionately contributes to Vietnamese circus arts. He excels in his circus skills and also performs well in areas less challenging such as dance. Many social media posts praise him for his versatile roles, rotating through the fierce battles of the warriors, and performing a series of highly difficult technical maneuvers such as rope swinging, aerial acrobatics, and ball juggling – all daring and dramatic.

As a Gen Z, Minh Cương approaches circus with an open mind, always learning and observing circus art around the world . He realizes that performance techniques alone are not enough for domestic circus to advance. Changing audience tastes and outdated organizational models are major obstacles. "Besides being skilled, artists also need organizational thinking, creativity, and stage management skills to adapt to new trends. Only then can the circus profession create its own unique mark," Cương expressed.

Unwilling to limit himself, Cuong was determined to study stage directing at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Theatre and Film, aspiring to open a new direction for Vietnamese circus. While audiences may have been loyal to traditional performance styles, for circus to truly resonate with contemporary audiences and become a familiar form of entertainment, innovation is necessary. Accepting change to adapt and continuously cultivating inner strength and confidence is the goal this young man is striving for.

"Fire God" Minh Cuong flies through the air, performing a moment of fiery blossoms – the highlight of the show.

Over 60% of the artists participating in the show "The Mysterious Land" are aged 20-25, and the scriptwriters and choreographers are also young. The show's months of sold-out tickets demonstrate that the connection between different art forms, the bold investment in stage design, choreography, music , and technology are not only necessary but also a solution to elevate Vietnamese circus art. Director Nguyen Quoc Cong (manager of the Blue Sky Circus troupe - Southern Arts Theatre) said he is always concerned about the next generation, alongside his focus on revitalizing traditional circus art. According to him, the circus profession is selective, requiring not only technical skills but also a passionate spirit. It's encouraging that while many other disciplines are less risky and offer more attractive benefits, there are still young people who remain dedicated to the circus. He places his faith in the talented, courageous, and creative young generation, who are not only persistent but also dare to choose the difficult path and fiercely strive to keep the passion for the profession alive.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/luon-het-minh-with-dam-me-196250329202755557.htm