King Tran Nhan Tong abdicated the throne, went to the mountains to practice asceticism, and eventually attained nirvana - Photo: Organizing Committee
This is the third time the two units have collaborated on a theatrical production combining circus and traditional Vietnamese opera. Previously, they worked on the plays "The Magic Wand" and "The Heavenly Holy Mother." "The Heavenly Holy Mother" won a gold medal at the International Experimental Theatre Festival.
The circus-traditional opera performance "Tran Nhan Tong" will officially premiere for three evenings, December 20, 21, and 28, at the square stage of the Central Circus Theater (IONAH Entertainment Center), commemorating the 717th anniversary of Emperor Tran Nhan Tong's passing into Nirvana (1308-2025).
King Tran Nhan Tong, during his reign, was a patriotic king who loved his people - Photo: Organizing Committee
Cai Luong artists no longer have to perform circus acts and sing at the same time.
The work vividly and completely recreates the life of King Tran Nhan Tong, the Buddhist Emperor, from his birth and growth to his ascension to the throne, leading the people and army of Dai Viet to victory against the Yuan-Mongol invaders, then abdicating the throne, becoming a monk, and ultimately becoming the First Patriarch of the Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen sect.
Cai Luong artist Minh Hai (Vietnam National Traditional Theatre) plays the role. King Tran Nhan Tong - the Buddhist Emperor.
Previously, the artist had played the role of King Tran Nhan Tong from his time as crown prince to his ascension to the throne, leading the country to defeat the invading army. This is the first time the artist has taken on the role of Tran Nhan Tong from his time as crown prince to his renunciation of worldly life and eventual attainment of nirvana.
He also played the role of Chu Dong Tu in the circus- traditional opera play "The Magic Wand," and had some scenes... Artist Minh Hai had to sing while swinging on a rope, but in the play Tran Nhan Tong, he didn't have to perform circus acts.
Directors Tong Toan Thang (director of the circus segment) and Tran Quang Khai (director of the Cai Luong segment) decided that the supporting characters would be played by circus artists, who would take over all the circus acts.
The geese were boldly brought onto the stage, recreating a scene of a rural village during the Tran Dynasty - Photo: Organizing Committee
Targeting a younger audience
At the press conference about the performance on the afternoon of December 17th, artist Tong Toan Thang - Director of the Vietnam Circus Federation - said that the creative team had seamlessly integrated the two art forms, with the circus acts complementing and enriching the emotional narrative of the performance.
In addition to human circus acts, artist Tong Toan Thang boldly introduced animal acts (monkeys, goats, pigs, geese) onto the stage, recreating the rural landscape, market scenes, and nature of the Tran Dynasty, increasing the entertainment value of the performance.
The battle scene was interwoven with various circus performances - Photo: T. ĐIỂU
The performance also features many high-altitude and multi-layered acts, such as: a scene depicting the birth of Tran Nhan Tong combined with high-wire acts; a battle scene incorporating acrobatics and trampolines; and a rural market scene incorporating balancing acts on rollers.
Meritorious Artist Tran Quang Khai, the director of the Cai Luong (Vietnamese traditional opera) segment, said that this performance mobilized nearly 70 artists from two participating units, divided into two performance teams.
"Through the combined language of circus, cải lương (Vietnamese traditional opera), music , dance, physical performance, and stage art, the show not only provides an emotionally rich artistic space but also has profound educational value, helping today's audience better understand the personality, thoughts, and spiritual legacy of Emperor Trần Nhân Tông," said artist Trần Quang Khải.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/xiec-va-cai-luong-trong-cung-vo-dien-ve-phat-hoang-tran-nhan-tong-20251217214141162.htm
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