Artists dance based on traditional tuồng movements

Choreographer Tú Hoàng (left) and artists will perform a show featuring Vietnamese traditional tuồng art and contemporary dance. Photo courtesy of Lên Ngàn

HÀ NỘI — Talented artists will perform in a show combining traditional art tuồng and contemporary dance at Hồng Hà Theatre in downtown Hà Nội from August 2 to 4.

The show Facing Infinity is a collaborative project between Lên Ngàn cultural hub, the Việt Nam National Tuồng Theatre and choreographer Tú Hoàng.

Tuồng (classical drama) is a traditional genre of Vietnamese theatre that began in the 17th century.

Performing Facing Infinity artists do not just move with mere physical movements, but their dance means to reflect and delve into the multidimensional and complex inner world.

The artists view Facing Infinity as an experience to reveal themselves and contemplation through bodily movements.

Hoàng will take on the roles of both performer and choreographer for the show. Born and raised in Hà Nội, Hoàng has been abroad since a very young age.

He is a promising choreographer in the international dance industry with works performed in countries such as Germany, Switzerland, Taiwan, Malaysia, South Korea, Spain and Denmark.

“I need to know how I can find resources on movement or Vietnamese art in general to discover the inspiration for creativity,” Hoàng said.

“I personally believe that traditional Vietnamese tuồng or arts from various ethnic groups are a great resource for me to draw upon, graps their essence and learn from them and to grow from there.”

Throughout the show, details of traditional materials interwoven with popular social elements will act as a frame – a subtle metaphor for routine and conflict, dissecting the scenes.

Symbols, rituals, habits and rules are not only about history and heritage, but also about the very fabric of each person’s existence.

The show is a part of arts and culture project Facing Infinity aiming at connecting young Vietnamese, international artists and the public to the traditional Vietnamese stage art through contemporary dance.

A series of events aims to engage the public beyond the familiar artistic boundaries and to creatively approach the traditional stage heritage.

The project includes activities such as researching the dance movements of various traditional stage forms, fostering professional exchanges between contemporary dancers and tuồng artists and hosting discussions on the potential of tuồng dance.

Under the project, the artists have a field trip to Phú Mẫn Village, Yên Phong District in the northern province of Bắc Ninh. They will collaborate with local artisans, sharing stories beyond the borders of dance, music and art.

Phú Mẫn is an ancient land with numerous distinct cultural characteristics that have been preserved and developed through generations until today.

During its golden age, the tuồng art of Phú Mẫn was renowned, with troupes performing across the region, sometimes involving up to a hundred participants.

Through the ages, the prestige of this art remains deeply rooted and many generations of families in this area have practised and performed tuồng.

Facing Infinity culminates in three nights of performances showcasing the results of the artists’ development of traditional stage dance elements with the distinctive spirit of tuồng art.

Tickets and more information from https://s.net.vn/2WBN. – VNS