Staged by the Southern Arts Theatre, the work is not just a regular circus performance but a cinematic visual and emotional adventure, rich in poetry and imbued with humanity.
“The Land of Wonder” is more than just a show – it's an emotional journey for all generations of audiences.
For about 90 minutes, the audience is led through the journey of two brothers Tung and Mon - children of an ancient village facing a prolonged drought. With the mission of finding five stones of the five elements (Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth), they enter a magical world, where each element has its own personality and challenge. From deep forests sparkling with firelight, to clear streams covered in mist, the stage constantly changes, taking the audience from one surprise to another.
"I didn't think Vietnamese circus could reach this level. I felt like I was watching a Vietnamese version of Broadway musical, but it was even more special because there were circus acts such as rope swinging, acrobatics, juggling, water dancing... very skillfully," Ms. Thu An (34 years old, District 7) shared after the show.
Two brothers Tung and Mon on a journey to find the five-element stones - a magical adventure that opens up a magical world of theater, where light, form and music become one.
Indeed, "The Mysterious Land" is a clever combination of dry circus and water circus - something rarely seen in traditional theaters. With a stage design that can be flooded, along with a stereoscopic lighting system, vivid sound and 3D effects, each performance is like a vivid picture frame. The image of the giant Water Goddess, controlled by puppets, or the 6-meter-tall Earth God appearing in the midst of smoke and fire - all bring a feeling of overwhelming, mysterious.
The stage of “Mysterious Land” is designed to be flooded, combining light, smoke and 3D effects – bringing a visual experience like in a fantasy movie.
What is special about this play is the way it talks about nature in a language without words. Without dialogue, just through body, music and expression, the artists convey the message of harmony between humans and all things. "Each stone is a personality, a part of ourselves. I see myself in the stone Moc - soft but not weak", Minh Khoa (final year student of the University of Architecture) shared.
Behind the success of the play are director - Meritorious Artist Le Ich Dien and choreographer - artist Nguyen Manh Quyen. Both are veterans of Vietnamese circus, but with "Mysterious Land", they have stepped out of the mold, bringing circus closer to cinema and contemporary performance.
Each physical movement is carefully crafted, telling the story with emotions instead of dialogue – a characteristic of the play.
Not only children but also adults were attracted. Children laughed loudly when Mon clumsily climbed the rope, adults held their breath watching the couple dance between fire and water. There, circus is no longer a series of separate acts, but a big story told by the human body – with all the passion, inner strength and cultural depth.
With ticket prices ranging from 150,000 VND to 350,000 VND, "Mysterious Land" is considered a worthwhile artistic experience. At weekend performances, the theater is often full, especially in the VIP area. Many audiences have bought tickets a second or third time to return, as a way to return to the "land" they once saw themselves in.
Music, light and form blend into a complete artistic world, captivating from start to finish.
At a time when visual arts are flourishing, this circus shows that traditional Vietnamese theater can completely step out into the world with a combination of creativity and modern storytelling. "I hope this play will tour other countries. It has a very Asian spirit, but the way it is expressed is global," said French audience member Louis Martin after watching it.
Eye-catching performances
The audience interacted with the actors after the play ended.
"The Land of Wonderland" is not just a show – it is a total experience, where emotions and imagination are maximized. Leaving the circus, the audience takes with them not only satisfaction but also the belief that art, if sincere and creative enough, always has a place in the hearts of the public.
Some other pictures of the circus "Mysterious Land":
