Street traditional opera performances enrich night life in Vietnam’s Nha Trang

Since February 2012, the Khanh Hoa Traditional Art Theater, located in Khanh Hoa Province, has run a program to feature performances of “tuong” on Saturday and Sunday every week.

The shows have been organized in several streets in the city, and the current venue is the April 2 Square.

The performances have entranced many locals and tourists, particularly foreigners, for the artists’ gaudy costumes, unique make-up, and outstanding performing skills.

Before the 1.5-hour performances begin, their hosts generally brief the audience on their content in both Vietnamese and English so that foreigners can better appreciate the art and catch up with the storylines, according to Van Hoa (Culture) Online, which is administered by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.

Apart from classic “tuong” plays, the program also highlights performances in several other folk genres, such as drum dances, recitals of traditional music instruments, and Russian folk pieces, to cater to Russian tourists, who make up a large portion of the city’s international tourist arrivals.

Another highlight is cheery exchanges between the artists and spectators at the end of the performances, Van Hoa Online added.

Many locals and tourists, including foreigners, are eager to learn basic maneuvers of the sophisticated art and pose with the artists for photos.

An excerpt from a classic “tuong” play is performed to the eagerly attentive audience. Photo: Tuoi Tre

The traditional art shows are an alluring slice of art alongside modern street art performances, including hip hop and flashmob dances which are generally held on the other side of the April 2 Square.

The staging of “tuong” performances on streets is an initiative by the Khanh Hoa Traditional Art Theater’s director and artists, which is meant to better promote the gems of the long-standing art to tourists, especially foreigners, and diversify tourism services.

In recent years, excerpts of “tuong” plays have also been taken on a regular basis to several local hotels, restaurants, and scenic spots.

“Tuong,” also known as “hat boi,” employs stock characters who are easily recognizable from their make-up and costumes, which are typically elaborate and rich in colors.

Foreign tourists and locals enjoy a street “tuong” performance on the sidewalk of Tran Phu Street,
one of the city’s major streets. Photo:Tuoi Tre

A group of young people, including a foreign man, gather on the other side of the April 2 Square in Nha Trang City
for a flamenco performance. Photo: Tuoi Tre

A young person is seen performing a maneuver during a hip hop dance. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Another teenager is pictured showcasing his flair on the roller skates. Photo: Tuoi Tre