New Zealand artist explores the art of Vietnamese traditional opera.

On the afternoon of November 28th, the Ho Chi Minh City Traditional Opera Theatre, in collaboration with the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, organized a cultural exchange program to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and New Zealand.

Delegates attending the program captured a heartwarming moment of reunion at the Ho Chi Minh City Traditional Opera Theatre. Photo: THUY BINH

The program takes place at the Ho Chi Minh City Opera House (125A Chau Van Liem Street, Cho Lon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City), with the participation of artists from the renowned Ngāti Rangiwewehi Kapa Haka Art Troupe.

At the program, the Ho Chi Minh City Traditional Opera Theatre presented many interesting contents surrounding the history of the formation and development of traditional opera, some information about the Ho Chi Minh City Traditional Opera Theatre, the characteristics of character makeup art, etc.

At the same time, the performance will feature excerpts from the typical hat boi (Vietnamese classical opera) play "On Dinh slays Ta", along with excerpts from the play " Hero " (author: Vuong Huyen Co, adaptation: People's Artist Huu Danh, director: Vo Ho Hoang Vu) - a play that recently won a Silver Medal at the 2025 National Tuong and Folk Opera Festival.

Artists from the Ho Chi Minh City Traditional Opera Theatre and artists from the Ngāti Rangiwewehi Kapa Haka Art Troupe (New Zealand). Photo: THÚY BÌNH

Artists from the Ngāti Rangiwewehi Kapa Haka Art Troupe (New Zealand) were delighted to participate in this exciting exchange activity, directly experiencing the art of traditional Vietnamese opera, practicing basic actions and dances, and learning how to laugh like the characters… under the guidance of talented artist Bao Chau.

A typical excerpt from the traditional Vietnamese opera "On Dinh slays Ta". Photo: THUY BINH

Following that, artists from the Ngāti Rangiwewehi Kapa Haka Performing Arts Troupe took to the stage to perform several traditional songs and dances, and to explain to the audience more about the troupe's performing arts.

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The orchestra of the Ho Chi Minh City Traditional Opera Theatre gave a captivating performance. Photo: THUY BINH

New Zealand artists also showcased unique costumes made of wood, props, and the Haka dance, a traditional dance of the indigenous Maori people of New Zealand, famous for its powerful movements, stomping, hand clapping, and intense facial expressions.

Artist Bao Chau performs traditional Vietnamese opera (hat boi), interacting with artists from the Ngāti Rangiwewehi Kapa Haka Art Troupe. Photo: THUY BINH

Through these performances, artists from both countries learn and gain more knowledge about stage performance, and share pride in the traditional arts and culture of each nation.

Artists from the Ngāti Rangiwewehi Kapa Haka Art Troupe introduce their costumes, performance props, etc. Photo: THUY BINH

Cultural stories are embedded in every movement, melody, rhythm, drum, and sound, making the exchange lively, joyful, and engaging, celebrating the unique beauty of each artistic culture, while clearly demonstrating the spirit of respect, care, understanding, and connection among the artists.

Traditional stage artists from both countries pose for a commemorative photo after an interesting and engaging exchange. Photo: THUY BINH

The program also demonstrates the power of performing arts, transcending language barriers, touching upon shared cultural values ​​of the community, and contributing to fostering lasting friendship between Vietnam and New Zealand.

THUY BINH

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/nghe-si-new-zealand-kham-pha-nghe-thuat-hat-boi-post826040.html