The Vietnam Tuong Theater recently launched interactive performances in which tourists, particularly foreigners, experience first-hand “tuong” (traditional opera) and actually take part in the performances.

Before each performance, tourists are warmly welcomed by the theater’s veteran artists, who then introduce the musical instruments, performing costumes, props, provide several brief acts in slow motion, as well as preparing tourists for their roles in the performances, including providing stage makeup and showing them basic movements and postures such as riding a horse, dancing, kicking legs, or twirling one’s moustache.

Tourists, particularly foreigners, are greatly delighted to see the artists’ talents and several of their techniques and tricks, which can’t be noticed from the audience standpoint. Many are thrilled playing roles in some brief acts.

After a long hour of exploring the art, tourists are then treated to the excerpts of the famous plays such as “Ong gia cong vo di xem hoi” (The old man carries his young wife on his back to the fest) and “Ho Nguyet Co hoa cao” (Ho Nguyet Co turns into a fox), from which they can recognize many of what they’ve just learned.      These are ongoing attempts by the Vietnam Tuong Theater’s directorate and artists to make their “tuong” performances more appealing to tourists.

Over the past ten years, the theater has offered two performances specifically for tourists every week. However, very few or even no one attended.

To improve the situation, starting in 2013, the theater has launched new projects and stepped up cooperation with local tour operators to increase the number of tourists to their performances.

Early last month, the theater received five invitations to perform for American and Canadian tourists at their homes.

“Apart from learning about the music, costumes and props used in “tuong” performances, our family of eight did take roles in the play. It’s a huge delight that the artists personally applied makeup on each of us and meticulously guided us in our roles. “Tuong” is awesome!”, exclaimed Taylor, an American tourist, who was still donning a stage costume after a recent performance ended.

“Tuong, also known as “hat boi”, is believed to be imported from China around the 13th century and was first performed in the royal court. Later on, the art was adapted and taken up by travelling troupes who entertained commoners and peasants.

“Tuong” employs stock characters who are easily recognizable from their make-up and costumes, which are typically very elaborate and rich in colors.