Vietnamese Circus is Ready for New Times

The days of single-act circus performances are fading into the past, as acrobats now demonstrate a wide range of skills at the 2024 National Circus Talent competition.

Nearly a hundred acrobats from prominent circus troupes across the nation gathered in Hà Nội from August 9-13 to display their talents. The event featured more than 20 performances from groups such as the Phương Nam Art Theatre, Việt Nam College of Circus and Variety Arts, Hà Nội Circus and Variety Arts Theatre, and the Việt Nam Circus Federation.

The Phương Nam Art Theatre, the sole representative from Hồ Chí Minh City, captivated audiences with four standout performances: Collective Juggling, Swan Dance—Couple Swing, 4-Male Image, and Standing Hand on Carpet. These acts were met with enthusiastic applause, underscoring the theatre’s commitment to excellence.

Meritorious Artist Lê Diễn, Director of Phương Nam Art Theatre, expressed pride in the theatre’s investment in these performances. “Our theatre has made significant investments in the four competition performances, with most of the young actors undergoing extensive training. This effort has greatly contributed to the success of the Vietnamese circus industry and has reinforced the prominence of Hồ Chí Minh City’s circus art,” he said.

As part of the competition, a large audience gathered to cheer on street circus parades, featuring spectacular performances by professional artists. These events, held on Trần Nhân Tông walking street and around Thiền Quang Lake, attracted both local residents and tourists, who warmly welcomed performers from all over the country.

Artist Hiển Phước from the Phương Nam Art Theatre highlighted a unique aspect of this year’s competition: his group created short video clips showcasing the process of assembling props, rehearsing, and preparing each performance. “Through that, the audience can better understand the hard work and backstage process of the young talents to offer the most quintessential act to compete,” he explained.

Young acrobats are increasingly blending their acts with other performance styles. The Việt Nam Circus Federation, for instance, has successfully integrated circus acts with cải lương (reformed opera) and rock music, adding a fresh dynamic to traditional performances.

This year’s competition stood out for its many acts that emphasized daring and adventurous performances, captivating audiences with their intensity. These feats require not only high-level skills but also immense bravery and dedication, qualities honed through relentless practice.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyễn Thị Minh Thái emphasized the need for the Vietnamese circus to continue evolving. “In addition to enhancing entertainment value and incorporating technological support, the Vietnamese circus must elevate its performances beyond traditional methods. The era of single-act performances is over; instead, performances should feature ideological themes, engaging stories, and convey humane messages,” she said.

Experts are optimistic about the future of the Vietnamese circus, noting a growing emphasis on artistic elements in addition to technical prowess. Many troupes are now incorporating thematic elements into their performances, enhancing their artistic value and appeal. Traditional cultural features, such as costumes, music, and staging concepts, are also being effectively integrated into shows.

“The positive developments mentioned above have propelled the Vietnamese circus to international success in recent years. Many young talents have participated in international circus festivals and won awards. Notably, artists Thanh Hoa and Hiển Phước from Hồ Chí Minh City have garnered numerous major awards at international competitions,” said People’s Artist Phi Vũ.

Trần Hướng Dương, Deputy Director of the Department of Performing Arts, expressed hope for the future: “Hopefully, with a deep love for circus art, both the units and artists will overcome all difficulties and challenges, dedicating themselves to the circus-loving public and aiming for a new stature for the Vietnamese circus.”

Source: Vietnam News
Main image: Photo courtesy of Việt Nam Circus Federation

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