“The Quintessence of Tonkin” brings VN culture out to the world

Hanoi (VNA) – Staged entirely on water and providing a broad overview of village life, from folklore to music, poetry, water puppetry, Buddhism and more, the open-air show “Tinh Hoa Bac Bo” (The Quintessence of Tonkin) is described as a truly standout tourism product of the capital city of Hanoi, helping nudge local culture closer to international friends. 

The live entertainment show has been open to the public for two years. (Photo courtesy of the organising board)

The live entertainment show is a product of the Tuan Chau Hanoi JSC, and takes place on an outdoor stage on the western outskirts of Hanoi.

This 60-minute visual spectacle is joined by more than 250 performers, 150 of them local farmers living in the area.

Since its debut two years ago, the show has amazed tens of thousands of Vietnamese and international spectators as it offers them a chance to explore the Vietnamese history and culture from a contemporary perspective, with an interactive water stage, and state-of-art technology.

The Quintessence of Tonkin includes six acts presenting traditional elements of the Vietnamese culture in a contemporary and innovative way.

Throughout the show, the audience will be brought back to a pristine time in an old countryside where they can feel the sacred atmosphere as well as learn about the cultural quintessence of the millennia-old history of Red River Delta region, the heart of northern Vietnam.

The venue is near Thay Pagoda, one of the oldest Buddhist establishments in the country and a pilgrimage site during the Lunar New Year festival.

The spectacle draws inspiration from Thay pagoda’s history as it tells how it was founded by monk Tu Dao Hanh and the ancient union between religion and monarchy. (Photo courtesy of the organiser)

The spectacle draws inspiration from the pagoda’s history as it tells how it was founded by monk Tu Dao Hanh and the ancient union between religion and monarchy. A visit to Thay Pagoda can be combined with a trip to see The Quintessence of Tonkin.

The show’s stage was built between the auditorium and the small hill where Thay Pagoda rests on, so audience can watch the show with the pagoda as a backdrop.

The stage is permanently submerged under a thin layer of water and offers a performing area for up to 250 people at a time.

The water allows a creative portrayal of the area’s cultural heritage, using water puppetry and dragon boat racing, among other forms of performance.

The show reflects the peaceful sounds of the rural north of Vietnam, such as those from wooden drums, brass gongs, night crickets, and flowing water.

Not only the spectators but also the actors can explore the cultural quintessence,.

“Working as a performer in the evening and a props maker for the show during daytime, I have gained a deeper understanding of the richness of our culture,” actress Nguyen Thi Thanh said.

Fellow actor Dao Duc Thang added: “I’m lucky to be a farmer-turned actor. It’s my honour to contribute to preserving and promoting our cultural values.”  

Alongside the new prize, the spectacle has also won several records and international awards.

Firework display celebrates 2^nd anniversary of the show. (Photo courtesy of the organiser). 

 
The show recently received a special prize at the Guide Awards 2019. Earlier, it won two Vietnamese records for the performance with the biggest water stage in Vietnam and the largest number of peasant actors. The show also snatched a gold medal for Innovation in Media, Visual Communications & Entertainment in the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards 2018. 

In July, it was named the top cultural spectacle in 2019 at the Best Hotels & Resorts Awards 2019 in Seoul.

The US Cable News Network (CNN) also described the show as a must-see for anyone visiting Hanoi, saying it “has all the makings of a world-class performance”./.