Dozens of paintings and sculptures featuring performers and plays of tuồng and hát bội (classical drama), a Vietnamese traditional theatre originating in the 12th century, are now on display at the Garden Mall in HCM City.

A painting of tuồng by artist Phung Nguyen Quang at an exhibition titled Paint the Art of Tuồng, which opened on Wednesday in HCM City. — Photo courtesy of the organisers

The works were created by 140 painters and artists in theatre, movie and graphic design. 

The event, Paint the Art of Tuồng, was launched by the HCM City Theatre Association and its partners. It has attracted young actors and theatre painters such as Meritorious Artist Hữu Danh, Huỳnh Kim Liên, Nhựt Nguyễn and Phạm Quang Phúc.

A talk show on tuồng hosted by veteran artists of the HCM City Theatre of Hát Bội Art will be organised every night during the event.

Famous traditional plays such as Hồ Nguyệt Cô Hóa Cáo (Nguyệt Cô Turning into a Fox) and San Hậu (The Reign) will be staged.

Tuồng developed from a folk art into a royal art in the 17th century.

Along with traditional arts such as chèo (traditional opera) in the north, cải lương (reformed opera) in the south, tuồng (classical drama) has contributed to the Vietnamese spirit.

Tuồng’s themes include monarchist loyalty and patriotic duty which define the play’s structure, features, language, music, colour, struggles and the personality of the characters.

The art, which consists of singing and dancing accompanied by music, is highly stylised and filled with symbolism.

The works require performers to practise diligently and wear costumes sometimes weighing up to 10 kilos.

The performers use their entire body, from the fingers and elbows to all of the muscles to perform movements on stage. They must have a strong voice to sing and dance at the same time and express emotions of each character.

The exhibition is open from 10am to 9pm at 190 Hồng Bàng Street in District 5. It will close on February 10. — VNS