“Tuong” or “hat boi” (classical drama) is a traditional performing art in Vietnam, often carrying a heroic tone, celebrating heroes who dedicate themselves to their homeland, thereby conveying lessons about life and morality.
After more than 20 years of working in film, photography, and travel relating to the art of “boi” singing (classical drama), Tran Ngoc Van from the south-central province of Binh Dinh has created a cultural tourism product from the art form: “boi” singing masks made from plastic composite materials and stone powder.
Information about the characters in Vietnamese hat boi (classical drama) is now available in English on ichLinks, an online platform providing information about intangible cultural heritages in the Asia-Pacific region.
A classical drama themed "Legend of the Red Hill" was performed by artists from Vietnam and Singapore in Hanoi. It aims to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Vietnam-Singapore diplomatic ties.
A new tuong (classical drama) show, the brainchild of a Vietnamese and Singaporean director, will be performed at Pohang Bada International Festival in the Republic of Korea in August.
A project to preserve hat boi (classical drama) and bai choi (a traditional game combining folklore singing and lottery picks) has been approved by the People’s Committee of Binh Dinh central province with a view to attracting tourists and preserving traditional theatre by 2020.
