Vietnamese Classical Hat Boi Performing Art Has Returned - VGP News

The art has a rich historical foundation and has an influence on the community. Like any traditional art form, hat boi boi (Vietnamese classical drama) also consists of Vietnamese aesthetics, reflecting life, stories and the aspirations of the common people.

Characters hold a crucial role for the staging performance of hat boi, which features old ancient language. Their faces are painted black, white and red. Without the characters, other elements such as plot, actions, and dialogue… would not be fully expressed.

The traditional art consists of singing and dancing to music. Its themes include monarchist loyalty and patriotic duty.

Tuong developed from folk art to a royal art in central and southern regions. It became popular in central and southern provinces in the 1900s.

The performance programme has recently resumed on the stage at the campus of the Hung King Temple in the Sai Gon Zoo and Botanical Garden.

Curious audience

First-year student Tran Thi Thuy Tien checked her temperature, washed her hands with sanitizer and filled the health declaration form before entering the outdoor theatre to watch the drama.

Tien, who was wearing facemasks and sitting away from other people, were in the audience to enjoy the HCM City Hat Boi Art Theatre's first shows.

"It is the first time I have watched hat boi. Previously, I thought that hat boi was boring and difficult to understand. But just seconds after walking into this garden and seeing photo exhibition of the characters in the performance I find it interesting and am really curious about it," said Tien, from FPT University.

"I am really impressed by the artists when seeing them performing with my own eyes. They sing, dance and move constantly, so that the audience can't take our eyes off them.

"Their make-up is most impressive. Through the make-up in addition with their dress, props and movement, we can understand the story of the drama. I think I would like to learn more about this kind of art," she said.

Nguyen Gia Phat was also in the audience for the first performance of hat boi. He came to see the show with some of his classmates from Van Lang University.

"We were introduced to this art at school. We also enjoyed several performances previously. We have met here to watch performance together on its return," said Phat.

"Watching hat boi is not only for entertaining. We want to know more about it for our school's projects."

Chau Hoang Tuyet became a member of the audience after she was attracted by beautiful masks displayed around the venue.

"I had heard about hat boi but it is my first time watching it in person. Honestly, it is interesting. Artists are beautifully made-up, they dance and sing very nicely and music is good. I like the out-door stage, the fresh air and garden," said Tuyet.

"If the organisers can make sure that the venue is COVID-19 safe and the audience follow 5K message, the performance would be great and lure more people."

Excited artists

Vo Ho Hoang Vu, acting director of the HCM City Hat Boi Theatre, said if the COVID-19 pandemic is well under control, the show will be staged every Saturday morning at the Le Van Duyet Tomb in Binh Thanh District and Sunday morning at the Hung King Temple in District 1 to serve people's demand.

He said that during four months pause due to the coronavirus, artists kept working online. They practiced for the old dramas and staged new ones.

"We have completed two new dramas which are expected to be performed soon after it is approved," he says.

Meritorious Artist Linh Hien could not hide his emotions with the opportunity to sing and dance again, saying "I was really disappointed with the unexpected break. It is great now, we are back".

"Today, I play role of the King in the Le Cong Ky An (Le Cong's Strange Case). I won a gold medal for this role in the national tuong festival in 2018. With 42 years performing, I just need five minutes to look at the dialogue to remember every word of my role.

"For artists, not being able to stand on stage makes us feel empty and upset. It is also a problem with our profession. If we do not perform live and practice regularly, our performing ability would be diminished. So, backing on the stage make me to feel like "living" again," he said.

His colleague Ngoc Tam was excited ahead of the scheduled show.

"We rested for months. We joined the city's volunteer team to help control the pandemic but really missed the stage. Now, I can meet my colleague in person and continue my passion, nothing could make me happier," said Tam.

The idea of organizing tuong performance outdoor is expected to bring this traditional art closer to the public, both local and international.

It is also to preserve and promote the nation's long-standing art form, imbued with the cultural colours of Viet Nam. The first performance was held in 2020 by the theatre and the city's Department of Culture and Sport./.