Thăng Long Imperial Citadel: Merry Folk Performances take place on the first days of the Spring
On the occasion of the 2018 Lunar New Year, the Thăng Long – Hà Nội Heritage Conservation Centre works with the Centre for the Preservation and Promotion of Stage Arts of Vietnam and the National Water Puppetry Theatre to organize an exquisite programme of folk art performances on the premise of the World Heritage Site.
Opening to visiting public as early as since the second day of the new lunar year, the Year of the Dog, the Thăng Long Imperial Citadel became all the more beautiful with the presence of the artisans and their folk performances in the joyous ambiance of the early days of the 2018 Lunar New Year.
The captivating programme was made with a lot of efforts and imbued with national cultural identities. The most salient feature was the excellent combination between folk music, folk dances and traditional water-based and land-based puppetry. Different forms of arts were skillfully and delicately combined to tell stories of the simplicity of the rustic but no less joyful life in the countryside of Vietnam. These are also valuable intangible cultural heritage items of the nation, worthy of safeguarding for eternity.
The time for these cultural performance shows is as follows:
18,19, 20 February 2018: Three shows each day at: 10h00, 14h00 and 16h00.
21, 22, 23, 24, 25 February 2018: One show each day at 10h00.
The incense offering ceremony for the new spring takes place at 9h00 24 February 2018
Some photos of the folk performances held at Thăng Long Imperial Citadel:
The stage for folk performances. Water puppetry is an exquisite form of traditional art, usually held on village festivals and first days of the new year. It has long been an integral part of the community culture of the residents of the Red River Deltal of Northern Vietnam.
The melodies of the popular “chèo” are reminiscent of the tranquil life of the countryside.
Folk music combined with original water puppet shows creates exciting and vivid performances.
A show depicting the work of the farmers and their love for labour.
Folk music combined with land-based puppetry creates the originality of the show.
Dance of the Fairies.
Hero Lê Lợi returning the holy sword to the Tortoise Genie.
Singing and dancing of “chầu văn”, a world heritage item on UNESCO List.
“Four sacred animals” dance with the dragon, phoenix, tortoise and unicorn mục múa tứ linh với các linh vật Long Ly Quy Phượng.
The merry“Scaring away the fox who catches ducks”.
Artists talking merrily to children.
Children are excited by the merry shows.
The programme attracts a huge turnout of visitors.
The Thăng Long Imperial Citadel also arranged for the setting up of many other folk games to entertain the kids.
And splendid decoration is also prepared to usher in the new spring.
Kim Yến
Thăng Long – Hà Nội Heritage Conservation Centre
