The play Tran Nhan Tong – When circus art combines with reformed opera

On the evening of December 8, in Hanoi, the Vietnam National Traditional Theatre in collaboration with the Vietnam Circus Federation held a rehearsal for the play "Tran Nhan Tong" - a large-scale, experimental art project.

The play "Tran Nhan Tong" was co-directed by People's Artist Tong Toan Thang, Director of the Vietnam Circus Federation, and Meritorious Artist Tran Quang Khai, based on the script by author: Dr. Bui Huu Duoc; Cai luong adaptation: Meritorious Artist Phan Ngoc Chi; Stage design: People's Artist Dat Tang; Music composition and arrangement: People's Artist Huynh Tu; Choreography: Master Nguyen Thi Tuyet Minh; Costumes: Meritorious Artist Truong Minh Hung.

Excerpt from the play "Tran Nhan Tong"

The play "Tran Nhan Tong" marks a breakthrough in traditional theater art, boldly combining the art of reformed opera and circus art. This is a new experiment, promising to bring a more modern and attractive perspective on the great historical figure, especially to attract young audiences. The play focuses on the period from the birth of King Tran Nhan Tong to adulthood, ascending the throne and leading the country with the Tran Dynasty to defeat the Yuan-Mongol army.

People's Artist Tong Toan Thang - Director of the Vietnam Circus Federation, who directed the play "Tran Nhan Tong", said that the idea of ​​staging the play had been hatched more than three years ago, partly because the Vietnam Circus Federation is located on the street named after Tran Nhan Tong, a place associated with many cultural and spiritual values. The play will be performed first at the Central Circus stage with an open square space, allowing for maximum exploitation of performance techniques such as springboards, acrobatics, net climbing, juggling... combined with modern lighting, sound and projection systems.

Excerpt from the play "Tran Nhan Tong"

"We want the audience to feel the battle or the moment the king steps onto Yen Tu not only with their eyes but also with their emotions and inner vibrations" - People's Artist Tong Toan Thang affirmed

The Tran Nhan Tong script reflects the stages from the period of Crown Prince Tran Kham to King Tran Tran Tong, to the Supreme Emperor Tran Nhan Tong, then becoming a monk and entering nirvana. In which, the play focuses on the period when he was king to show the image of a wise king and the spirit of solidarity of a nation that defeated the invading Yuan-Mongol army. In the most glorious period of the Tran dynasty, Tran Nhan Tong decided to become a monk, handing over the country to his son.

Excerpt from the play "Tran Nhan Tong"

Co-director of the play "Tran Nhan Tong", Meritorious Artist Tran Quang Khai shared: "With the desire of the entire creative team to create a work of art, it brings entertainment elements close to young audiences. Through the play, it also shows the spirit of national solidarity, especially the wise King of the Vietnamese people. Over thousands of years, the thoughts of Buddha King Tran Nhan Tong, especially the wise King Tran Nhan Tong, have brought us precious values ​​in social life. For this work, we have prepared very carefully in terms of script, music, choreography, language, especially circus and reformed opera together with storytelling, we will have to blend it as much as possible so that when the audience goes to see it, it is not to see a circus, nor to see reformed opera, but to ride a work of art, building the image of King Tran Nhan Tong".

Excerpt from the play "Tran Nhan Tong"

As a young audience member who came to see the play, Nguyen Phuc Nam Duong (25 years old, Hanoi ) said: "After watching the play, I felt that Cai Luong brought me nostalgic experiences in terms of hearing, while circus made me enjoy the visual aspect. When both art forms were combined on the same stage, this work was successful in conquering the senses, not just mine. For traditional Cai Luong plays, many young people are certainly not really excited, because the lyrics and melodies are not really close to the entertainment taste. But when combined with circus, I think the traditional stage form promises to attract more audiences."

Excerpt from the play "Tran Nhan Tong"

The play "Tran Nhan Tong" is part of a series of key projects ordered by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, with the goal of not only enriching the repertoire of stage plays but also serving tourism and promoting traditional Vietnamese arts./.

Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/vo-dien-tran-nhan-tong-khi-nghe-thuat-xiec-ket-hop-cung-cai-luong-20251209085110617.htm