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Staged by the Southern Arts Theatre, the work is not just an ordinary circus performance, but a cinematic visual and emotional adventure, rich in poetry and imbued with humanistic values.
"The Mysterious Land" is more than just a show – it's an emotional journey for audiences of all generations.
For approximately 90 minutes, the audience is guided through the journey of two brothers, Tung and Mon – sons of an ancient village facing a prolonged drought. With a mission to find the five elemental stones (Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth), they enter a mystical world where each element possesses its own personality and challenges. From the deep forest shimmering with firelight to the clear stream shrouded in mist, the stage constantly transforms, leading viewers 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 a Broadway musical, but even more spectacular because of the skillful circus acts like tightrope walking, acrobatics, juggling, and water dancing," shared Thu An (34 years old, District 7) after the performance.
Tung and Mon embark on a journey to find the Five Elements Stones – a fantastical adventure that opens up a world of dynamic theater, where light, form, and music merge into one.
Indeed, "The Mysterious Land" is a skillful blend of dry and water circus acts – a rarity in traditional theater. With a stage designed to be submerged, along with stereoscopic lighting, vibrant sound, and 3D effects, each performance is like a living painting. The image of the giant Water Goddess, manipulated by stick puppets, or the 6-meter-tall Earth God appearing amidst smoke and fire – all create a sense of awe and mystery.
The "Mysterious Land" stage was designed to be submerged in water, combining lighting, smoke, and 3D effects – creating a visual experience like something out of a fantasy movie.
What's special about this performance is how it speaks about nature through a wordless language. Without dialogue, using only body language, music, and expressions, the artists convey a message about the harmony between humanity and all things. "Each stone is a personality, a part of ourselves. I see myself in the Mộc stone – soft but not weak," shared Minh Khoa (a final-year architecture student).
Behind the show's success are director – Meritorious Artist Lê Ích Diễn and choreographer – artist Nguyễn Mạnh Quyền. Both are veteran figures of Vietnamese circus, but with "The Mysterious Land," they have broken free from convention, bringing circus closer to cinema and contemporary performance.
Every movement is meticulously crafted, telling the story through emotion instead of dialogue – a hallmark of the performance.
Not only children but also adults were captivated. Young children laughed heartily as Mon awkwardly climbed the ropes, while adults held their breath watching the duet dance between fire and water. There, the circus was no longer a collection of disjointed acts, but a grand story told through the human body – with all its passion, inner strength, and cultural depth.
With ticket prices ranging from 150,000 to 350,000 VND, "The Mysterious Land" is considered a worthwhile artistic experience. Weekend performances are often sold out, especially in the VIP area. Many audience members have purchased tickets a second and third time to return, as a way of rediscovering the "land" where they once saw themselves.
Music, light, and movement blend together to create a complete artistic world, captivating from beginning to end.
At a time when visual arts are flourishing, this circus performance shows that traditional Vietnamese theater can absolutely reach the world stage through creative combinations and a modern storytelling spirit. "I hope this show will tour other countries. It has a very distinct East Asian spirit, but the presentation is global," said French audience member Louis Martin after watching the performance.
Spectacular performances
Audience members interacted with the actors after the performance ended.
"The Mysterious Land" is not simply a performance – it's a holistic experience where emotions and imagination are unleashed to the fullest. Leaving the circus, the audience carries 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.
Here are some more images from the circus show "The Mysterious Land":
