Quintessence of Tonkin: Modern approach to experiencing Vietnamese culture

Beyond exploring landmarks and heritage sites, recreating the unique rural culture of northern Vietnam is an appealing tourism product in Quoc Oai District.

The live-action show Quintessence of Tonkin. Photo: Thanh Hai/The Hanoi Times

Held at Baara Land, an entertainment and culinary complex in Sai Son Commune, the real-life performance Quintessence of Tonkin serves as a gateway to explore the history, culture, and unique beauty of Vietnam's countryside.

Reflecting the rustic charm of traditional rural life, the show vividly depicts the daily life of northern villagers.

Deeply rooted in northern culture, the performance showcases traditional dances, folk music, and especially quan ho - a deeply emotional and graceful genre of northern folk singing.

For an hour, each dance step and melody is meticulously choreographed and harmoniously composed, plunging the audience into the cultural essence of northern Vietnam while evoking deep emotions and pride in national heritage.

The plot of the show is based on the life of the poet, water puppet pioneer, and renowned Buddhist monk Tu Dao Hanh. The show unfolds in six scenes: Poetry, Buddhist Realm, Nostalgia, Music and Painting, Joy, and Festivities.

Farmers toiling in the fields, fishermen rowing boats across misty waterways, and the iconic sight of buffalo - a representation of Vietnam's agricultural heritage - bring the stage to life in the opening scene, Poetry.

When the plot shifts to the Buddhist realm, Tu Dao Hanh appears as a bell-ringer praying for peace. An iconic Vietnamese art form, water puppetry, is presented through real-life stories, providing a new perspective that differs from the mythological ones.

The nostalgia section takes viewers to the imperial citadel of Thang Long, where scholars in traditional robes are shown taking their exams. This scene highlights Vietnam's respect for education, accentuated by triumphant music and modern lighting effects that evoke a deep sense of pride.

The show recreates northern farming activities. Photo: Thanh Hai/The Hanoi Times

In Music and Painting, dancers dressed as celestial maidens perform graceful movements that celebrate the artistic spirit of northern culture. Advanced 3D effects set an enchanting atmosphere on shimmering water, making the scene truly mesmerizing.

The final two scenes, Joy and Festivities, recreate the agrarian rituals and spiritual celebrations of northern villagers. Actors portray farmers harvesting crops, sowing seeds, and participating in traditional games during festivals.

A particularly stirring moment occurs when the entire cast turns to face the illuminated Chua Thay (Thay Pagoda) Mountain, where a lotus blossoms in the night sky, symbolizing Tu Dao Hanh's spiritual legacy.

Quintessence of Tonkin combines the simple lives of northern villagers with theatrical artistry, with a cast of approximately 250 performers. Among them are residents of Da Sy Village in Sai Son Commune, ranging in age from 10 to 80.

They work as farmers by day and become artists by night. Audiences are captivated by their authenticity and emotional performances.

The stage, a massive 4,300 square meter water surface, is surrounded by the majestic Sai Son Mountains and lush greenery. State-of-the-art technology enhances the experience with lighting, sound, and hydrothermal effects. In particular, the water pavilion dramatically emerges from the lake in seconds, creating magical and captivating visuals.

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, international tourists made up the majority of the audience, said Hoang Duc Thinh, Head of Communications at Tuan Chau Hanoi JSC, the show's organizer.

"The audience now includes more domestic visitors from Hanoi and nearby provinces, which shows the growing interest of Vietnamese people in exploring their cultural and historical roots," he told The Hanoi Times.

To cater to a diverse audience, especially students, the organizers introduced daytime performances.

One morning in December, nearly 1,000 students from Xuan Son and Son Loc middle schools in Son Tay Town attended the performance and enjoyed the unique cultural experience.

Students from Xuan Son and Son Loc middle schools in Son Tay Town enjoy the show. Photo: Thanh Hai/The Hanoi Times

In the chilly early winter weather, students were treated to vivid depictions of traditional farming practices - scenes they rarely encounter in today's technology-driven world.

"This is one of the activities aimed at educating students about Vietnam's cultural traditions, especially Hanoi's heritage," said Phan Thi Huyen Nga, Principal of Xuan Son Middle School.

"The performance instills national pride and nurtures a love for Vietnamese culture in the hearts of students, inspiring them to become exemplary citizens and contribute to the country's future," she said.

With their busy weekly schedules, the addition of daytime performances allows students to access and appreciate the unique cultural heritage of northern Vietnam, Nga added.

"This show has immense cultural value and is especially suitable for students," she told The Hanoi Times.

The Quintessence of Tonkin is performed on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 7:30 pm. There are also daytime performances during the week for tourists and student groups.