An art show entitled ‘The Quintessence of Tonkin’ will open for audience from early November at the Baara Land Entertainment Complex in Quoc Oai District, on the outskirts of Hanoi, with a focus on the rich culture and daily activities of Vietnam’s northern delta.

A scene from the show (Photo: thequintessenceoftonkin.com)

Invested in by Tuan Chau Group, the project explores six aspects of the cultural essence of the Tonkin, including Poetry, Buddhism, Nostalgia, Music and Painting, Joy and Festivities.

Drawing inspiration from the spiritual history of the nearby Thay Pagoda, the 60-minute live spectacle also tells the story of the pagoda's founding by the venerable monk Tu Dao Hanh and the history of the ancient Thang Long royal palace.

Arranged on an interactive stage with the support of state-of-the-art technology and a stunning setting, the show features an array of traditional art forms and ritual practices from the northern delta, including Ca Tru (ceremonial singing), folklore melodies, Quan Ho (love duet singing), Hau Dong (mediumship ritual), and water puppetry.

The stage of the show was built in between the auditorium and the hill on which Thay pagoda rests with a total water surface area up to 4,300 square metres, allowing the audience to enjoy the performance to the backdrop of the pagoda.

The stage is permanently submerged under the water, and is large enough to accommodate 250 performers at one time.

Directed by director Hoang Nhat Nam, the show will feature the participation of two groups of performers, including the local families of farmers, who are expected to bring their experience and showcase their lives to the audiences. Young talented students from the Hanoi College of Dance will also perform, promising to bring their vitality and energy to the stage.

Tickets to the show are priced at VND 800,000, VND 900,000 and VND 1.2 million.  

Nhan Dan