Tong Toan Thang, Tuyet Minh, Quang Khai reunite in a "huge" work about King Tran Nhan Tong

Tống Toàn Thắng, Tuyết Minh, Quang Khải hội ngộ trong tác phẩm — Groundbreaking ceremony of the play "Tran Nhan Tong"

A project that has been cherished for more than 3 years was announced at the groundbreaking ceremony at the Central Circus ( Hanoi ). The project, organized by the Vietnam National Traditional Theatre in collaboration with the Vietnam Circus Federation, is named "Tran Nhan Tong".

This is a special stage production to honor the wise king, brilliant thinker, and Buddhist Emperor Tran Nhan Tong - who left a deep mark in the nation's history with his rare talent for governing the country and compassion.

The original script was written by Dr. Bui Huu Duoc, former Head of the Department of Buddhism ( Government Committee for Religious Affairs); the reformed opera was performed by Meritorious Artist Phan Ngoc Chi.

The two main directors are People's Artist Tong Toan Thang and Meritorious Artist Tran Quang Khai; choreographer Tuyet Minh; music composed and arranged by People's Artist Huynh Tu. Art design by People's Artist Nguyen Dat Tang.

Sharing at the ceremony, People's Artist Tong Toan Thang emotionally said: "I have cherished this project for more than 3 years. I hope that when the audience comes to the theater, they will not only enjoy a magnificent performance but also contemplate the wisdom and personality of a great and wise king."

Portraying a king who combines Wisdom - Courage - Humanity

The play focuses on recreating the life journey of Tran Nhan Tong: from birth, adulthood, coronation, to leading the army and people of Dai Viet in three resistance wars against the Yuan-Mongol.

"We want to portray a king who possesses Wisdom - Courage - Humanity: wise in governing the country, kind in dealing with people. History also records that after the battle, he took off his robe to cover the fallen enemy general - a small detail that contains a rare altruistic heart" - People's Artist Tong Toan Thang emphasized.

The open square stage space of the Central Circus is fully utilized for circus techniques such as trapeze, net climbing, juggling, combined with modern sound - light - projection systems.

The battles and moments when King Tran went to Yen Tu will be staged so that the audience can not only "see" but also "feel" with all their senses.

Cross-fertilization of Cai Luong and Circus: A New Way of Telling Stage Stories

One of the most unique features of "Tran Nhan Tong" is the smooth combination of two seemingly opposite genres: Cai Luong and circus. Co-director Meritorious Artist Tran Quang Khai revealed: "There are performance classes where Cai Luong artists will sing and perform in the front, while circus artists perform as illustrations in the back.

The audience will feel like they are watching a vivid movie right on stage. This is a parallel expression technique - listening to the lyrics and enjoying the physical movements at the same time.

Two talented circus artists, Meritorious Artist Thanh Tuan and Meritorious Artist Bui Thu Huong, who have won many international awards, will play the main roles, recreating the spirit and intelligence of King Tran.

According to People's Artist Trieu Trung Kien, Deputy Director of the National Traditional Theatre, this is the third time the unit has staged the image of Tran Nhan Tong on the cai luong stage. The new point this time is the orientation to turn the play into a unique cultural and tourist product right on Tran Nhan Tong Street (Hanoi).

"Audiences, especially domestic and foreign tourists, when coming to the street named after the King - Buddha Emperor, can stop by the Central Circus to enjoy the show. This is a vivid way for them to learn about the history and spirit of 'humanity' - 'courage' of the nation" - People's Artist Trieu Trung Kien said.

Spreading historical values in contemporary life

The play "Tran Nhan Tong" is part of a group of works ordered by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in 2025, aiming at two major goals: Honoring the merits of ancestors, showing gratitude for the historical and cultural values of the nation; Bringing modern entertainment, bringing historical theater closer to the contemporary public, especially the young generation.

People's Artist Trieu Trung Kien - Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Traditional Theater said that this is the third time the image of King - Buddha Emperor Tran Nhan Tong has been built on the stage of Northern Cai Luong.

With the combination of director Tong Toan Thang - who has many achievements in the circus industry and Tran Quang Khai - a young, creative and energetic director, People's Artist Trieu Trung Kien believes that this performance will have a new look, more convincing, more attractive and have a stronger influence on the public.

"By creatively combining traditional art and modern performance techniques, the project "Tran Nhan Tong" promises to become a new mark of Vietnamese theater on the path of innovation and integration" - People's Artist Tong Toan Thang shared.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/tong-toan-thang-tuyet-minh-quang-khai-hoi-ngo-trong-tac-pham-khung-ve-vua-tran-nhan-tong-196251008115407944.htm