Recently, Vietnamese circus has had positive changes with new projects. In particular, the production "Mysterious Land" at Gia Dinh Park Theater (Go Vap District, Ho Chi Minh City) created a strong "fever". The organizers continuously added performances but still could not meet the enjoyment needs of the large audience.

Talent, enthusiasm

Phung Minh Cuong (23 years old) is a prominent face in the play "Mysterious Land". He won a silver medal at the 2022 International Circus Festival and the "Audience Favorite" award at the 2024 National Circus Talent Competition with the act "Group Juggling".

Before reaping the sweet fruit, the Hanoi native had a period of confusion. Graduating from the group juggling course at the Vietnam Circus and Variety Arts College, he did not pursue a professional career but went to Phu Quoc to perform on the streets for tourists. But after only one year, Cuong realized that if he continued to repeat boring performances, his career would be stunted and he would lose his artistic flair. So Cuong went to Ho Chi Minh City to start a career and joined the circus troupe of the Phuong Nam Arts Theater.

Here, he had the opportunity to perform and compete professionally, increasingly affirming his name. The success of "Mysterious Land" is a worthy reward for the crew after 3 months of hard training. It is rare for a circus work to have such a well-organized and meticulous script. For the first time, state-of-the-art 3D sound and lighting technology, LED screens, water and fire effects, and magnificent stage design... were applied, the play harmoniously combined circus arts and dance. Thereby, conveying the complete story without dialogue. Many climaxes and eye-catching segments took the audience from one surprise to another. Not only young people but also many older audiences came to the theater. The image of Minh Cuong transforming into the God of Fire appeared bravely in red armor, his handsome face hidden behind a mysterious mask amidst the fast-paced rhythm, continuously showing off his skillful abilities.

Phung Minh Cuong transforms into "Fire God" performing a fire ring performance

Constant effort

Working side by side with his dedicated colleagues, Minh Cuong passionately contributes to Vietnamese circus. He excels in his circus forte and also demonstrates his weakness, dancing. Many posts on social media praise him for taking on many roles, rotating in fierce battles of warriors, performing a series of highly difficult technical moves such as rope swinging, aerial acrobatics, ball juggling... adventurous and dramatic.

Being a Gen Z, Minh Cuong approaches circus with an open mind, always learning and observing circus arts around the world. He realizes that performing techniques alone are not enough for domestic circus to go far. The change in audience tastes and the organizational model that has not kept up with the times are major barriers. "In addition to being good at the profession, artists also need to have organizational thinking, creativity and stage management skills to approach new trends. Only then can the circus profession create its own mark" - Cuong expressed.

Not wanting to limit himself, Cuong was determined to study stage directing at the University of Theatre and Cinema in Ho Chi Minh City, hoping to open a new direction for Vietnamese circus. The audience of the past may be loyal to the traditional performance model, but for circus to truly reach the contemporary audience and become a familiar spiritual food, innovation is required. Accepting change to adapt and constantly cultivating inner strength and courage is the goal that this young man is aiming for.

"Fire God" Minh Cuong flies in the air to perform the fire flower moment - the highlight of the play

More than 60% of the artists participating in the play "Mysterious Land" are between the ages of 20 and 25, and the scriptwriter and choreographer of the work are also young people. For many months, the work has been a "sold-out" show, proving that the connection between art forms, the bold investment in stage, choreography, music and technology is not only necessary but also a solution to elevate Vietnamese circus. Director Nguyen Quoc Cong (manager of the Blue Sky Circus - Phuong Nam Arts Theater) said that he is always concerned about the next generation besides caring about renewing traditional circus art. According to him, the circus profession is selective of talent, requiring not only technique but also soul. Fortunately, while many other arts are less risky and have more attractive benefits, there are still young people who are attached to the circus profession. He puts his faith in the talented, brave and creative young generation, who are not only persistent but also dare to choose the difficult, determined to keep the passion for the profession alive".

Source: https://nld.com.vn/luon-het-minh-voi-dam-me-196250329202755557.htm