[Glocal Connect] K10 explored traditional "Tuồng" art with professional artists

Where does the art of Tuồng originate from? What is its content and significance, and how does it differ from Chèo?

Why is Tuồng considered the "national treasure" and the pinnacle of Vietnamese theatrical arts?

In a recent exchange session with artists from Vietnam Tuồng Theater at The Olympia Schools over the weekend, Olympians K10 found answers to these questions. Not only did they listen to the artists' insights and clarifications, but they also had the opportunity to watch a performance featuring excerpts from famous works such as "Clams, Mussels, Snails, Oysters," "An Old Man Carrying His Wife to the Festival," and "The Five Transformations." Under the guidance of the artists, Olympians K10 actively participated in acting on stage, practicing dialogues of various characters.

"I was truly surprised that things that seem very simple and everyone does every day, when incorporated into Tuồng, require so many techniques. For example, laughter in Tuồng requires deep inhalation, taking breath from the throat, raising the tone of the voice, and maintaining a seamless sound," shared Olympian Khánh Linh. Expressing admiration for Tuồng artists, Olympian Bảo An noted that through the exchange session, she understood why Tuồng is considered a "national treasure" because it demands precision, technical expertise, and substantial investment to create a complete performance.

Gaining a deeper understanding of the role and importance of traditional folk theater in Vietnamese life and the cultural flow of Vietnam, the exchange session with Tuồng artists and the activities of the interdisciplinary project "Echoes of the Ancient Past" have instilled in Olympians K10 a sense of pride and awareness for preserving and developing traditional arts in the new era. This solid foundation empowers these future global citizens to confidently carry the Vietnamese identity, step into the world, and integrate on a global scale.