Real scene performance in thousand-year-old communal house

For the first time, there will be a real scene performance on the Red River - Chem communal house.

The National Special Relics of Chem Communal House (Thuy Phuong Ward, Bac Tu Liem District, Hanoi) will be highlighted during the real scene art program titled "Sacred Chem Communal House - Flow of Essence" on November 18.

This is part of the Hanoi Creative Design Festival organized by the Bac Tu Liem District People's Committee in cooperation with Tuoi Tre Thu Do newspaper.

The Chem Communal House is listed as a National Special Relic. Photo: The Hanoi Times

The program is divided into three episodes: Sources of Civilization, Thousand-Year Masterpieces - Soul of the Nation and Brightening the Quintessence.

In particular, the program will take place on two stages, of which, for the first time, there will be a real stage on the Red River, designed and choreographed by General Director Mai Thanh Tung. This part will feature traditional performing arts such as Hanoi Xam singing (music of the wandering blind), Xoe Thai from Yen Bai Province, Bac Ninh quan ho (love duet), and Muong folk songs.

The program has the participation of famous artists: Tung Duong, Kyo York, Thai Thuy Linh, Ngoc Ky, Viet Danh, Ha Myo, Quach Mai Thy, Le Anh, Le Trang, Oscar Dance Company and Lavender Dance Company.

The scene "Sacred Chem communal house" through the narration of Meritorious Artist Le Chuc will bring out the stature and meaning of the ancient communal house.

Le Thi Thu Huong, Vice Chairwoman of the People's Committee of Bac Tu Liem District speaks at the press briefing. Photo: The Hanoi Times

Director Mai Thanh Tung said the program introduces the sacred community house on the Red River, the breath and heart of the Vietnamese people through many generations, honoring traditional art forms and national quintessence, expressing the wisdom and idiosyncrasy of the local people.

The program is organized to promote the potential and strengths of Bac Tu Liem District, raising awareness among businesses and social communities about the design and creative industries and contributing to the economic development of the district, according to Le Thi Thu Huong, Vice Chairwoman of the Bac Tu Liem District People's Committee.

"We hope that through this program, people will learn about the history of the Chem communal house and the history of Bac Tu Liem District, which is expected to facilitate cultural ties between Bac Tu Liem and other districts in Hanoi and municipalities nationwide in the future," Huong said.

Meritorious Artist Le Chuc will be the narrator of the art performance. Photo: The Hanoi Times

Located on the bank of the Red River, the Chem communal house in Bac Tu Liem District is one of the oldest in Vietnam. It is dedicated to Saint Chem, whose real name was Ly Ong Trong. He was a talented general under King Hung Due Vuong of the Van Lang Kingdom and King An Duong Vuong of the Au Lac Kingdom, now Vietnam. He defeated foreign invaders and was honored as Saint Chem for his leadership and skill in warfare. A temple dedicated to him was built in Chem, his home village.

Since its construction around 200 B.C., the Chem communal house has undergone several restorations. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism listed it as a national intangible cultural heritage site in 2016.