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“Quintessence of Tonkin” is a show that combines modern artistic techniques with traditional folk elements. Through this, the most distinctive cultural and artistic values of Northern Vietnam will be reborn on stage.
In its 60-minute duration, the performance is divided into six parts showcasing the cultural essence of Northern Vietnam, including: Poetry, Buddhist Realm, Nostalgia, Music and Painting, Joy, and Festival. Against a backdrop of modern sound and lighting, along with state-of-the-art stage equipment, the classical values of the rich performing arts of the Northern Delta region are recreated. Audiences will be transported back to a pristine era, experiencing the scenes of Vietnamese villages, feeling the sacred atmosphere, and listening to stories of Northern Vietnamese villages with their millennia-long history, enjoying the cultural culmination of this land of ancient civilization and rich history.
Beyond simply showcasing the cultural landscape of the Northern Delta region with its idyllic scenes of daily life—such as the bustling life of fishermen on the waterways, the rural landscapes of the countryside, the bustling cityscapes, and the processions of palanquins at village festivals—the performance also transports viewers back to the peak of water puppetry art with a story connected to Zen Master Tu Dao Hanh, one of the "four immortals" of traditional Vietnamese beliefs. Alongside this, there will be performances reminiscent of the ancient Thang Long citadel. Simultaneously, it will celebrate the tradition of studiousness and the talent and intellect of Vietnam, showcasing both literary and martial prowess through scenes of examination halls and scholars studying. Furthermore, the sounds of traditional musical instruments and art forms such as Ca Tru, Northern Vietnamese folk songs, Quan Ho Bac Ninh, and Hau Dong will also be featured in the performance.
The Quintessence of Northern Vietnam show features a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system, including laser interference and 3D mapping. The lighting is meticulously arranged, even including an underwater lighting system. The music in the show is also a superb blend of Northern Vietnamese folk music and modern world music, providing the audience with the most authentic and harmonious emotions.
The stage was meticulously and skillfully constructed on a plot of land approximately 19,000m², with a lake surface of over 4300m² nestled against Thầy Mountain. The actors' walkways were built underwater, creating the illusion of walking on the water's surface during performances. Notably, Thầy Pagoda was also recreated on this stage. The detail of Thầy Pagoda automatically rising to the surface of the water created a powerful impression on the audience, who erupted in continuous applause and expressions of admiration.
The performance features 180 actors, including 120 farmers from the Sai Son - Chua Thay area who have been trained to perform on stage, recreating scenes of daily life and work of farmers. In addition, the organizers have selected 80 more actors who are students from art schools in Hanoi.
“No one can portray the life, culture, spirit, and beliefs of a Northern region of Vietnam more authentically and vividly than the people who live there. The actors – the local farmers – are the inspiration and motivation for me and the entire 300-person crew to overcome all difficulties and pressures to bring this culturally rich artistic performance to life. I am extremely grateful to them,” shared General Director Hoang Nhat Nam.
Reportedly, "The Quintessence of Northern Vietnam" is a unique cultural product of the Tuan Chau Group, primarily aimed at serving domestic and international tourists. The program was launched after six years of developing the idea, three years of planning and stage construction, and a total investment of over 500 billion VND.
Previously, the live performance titled "Once Upon a Time in the Land of Đoài," directed by Việt Tú, despite its short duration, had a very positive audience response and made a strong impression on viewers with its scale, actors, and presentation. However, according to the organizers, this show did not meet expectations, which is why "The Quintessence of Northern Vietnam" was created – inheriting existing experiences while further developing the content and presentation.
The "Quintessence of Northern Vietnam" program is directed by Hoàng Nhật Nam, with content consultation from historian Dương Trung Quốc and journalist Lê Xuân Sơn – Editor-in-Chief of Tiền Phong newspaper. Musician Hồ Hoài Anh serves as the music director and John Huy Trần is the choreographer.
Following its launch, starting in November 2017, the "Quintessence of Northern Vietnam" show will be performed every evening from 7:30 PM (except Tuesdays) at the Baara Land Entertainment and Cultural Complex (Sai Son, Quoc Oai, Hanoi) and may be increased to two shows after a period of stable operation. The venue has a capacity of up to 2500 guests and is only about 40 minutes away from the center of Hanoi. The show has two price options: VND 800,000 per person and VND 1,200,000 per person (including a dinner party at the venue).
