Finding a unique identity for Vietnamese circus

Meritorious Artist and director Le Dien, Director of the Southern Arts Theatre, said: "The Southern Arts Theatre has invested thoroughly in the four competing performances, with the majority of the participating young performers having undergone elaborate training. This effort contributes to the overall success of the Vietnamese circus industry and affirms the position of circus art in Ho Chi Minh City."

Within the framework of the "National Circus Talent Competition 2024," a large audience enthusiastically cheered on the "Street Circus" parade performances, featuring spectacular acts by professional artists. On Tran Nhan Tong pedestrian street and around Thien Quang Lake, spectators and tourists excitedly welcomed circus performers from all over the country.

Artist Hien Phuoc (Southern Arts Theatre) believes that what is special is that the competition has produced documentaries to show the audience the process of assembling props, rehearsing, and preparing for each performance. Through this, the audience can better understand the arduous training and the "behind-the-scenes" phase of young talents as they bring their most exquisite artistic creations to compete.

Aiming for a new level of achievement for the circus industry.

Recently, and as demonstrated by the "National Circus Talent Competition 2024," young performers have made significant strides in their professional development, incorporating various art forms into their performances. For example, the Vietnam Circus Federation has successfully combined circus with Cai Luong (Vietnamese traditional opera), and blended circus with rock music, among other things.

Insiders believe that this year's competition featured many performances that showcased the daring and courage of the actors, which helped to win over the audience. To achieve such daring, the artists must possess sufficient skill and a high level of expertise. This is the culmination of relentless training, resulting in absolute precision in their performances.

"Vietnamese circus, in addition to increasing entertainment value and technological support, also needs to elevate its performances, moving away from traditional methods. The days of performing individual acts are over; there must be themes and ideas, compelling stories that attract viewers and convey humanistic messages," emphasized Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Minh Thai.

According to experts, the Vietnamese circus industry has shown encouraging signs: attention is not only paid to technique, but the artistic element has recently received more emphasis. Many troupes have incorporated themes into their competition performances to enhance their artistic value. It is particularly encouraging that many acts have successfully exploited traditional cultural elements, from costumes and music to staging concepts.

"The positive information mentioned above has helped Vietnamese circus achieve success on the international stage in recent years. Many young talents have participated in international circus festivals and won awards. In particular, Ho Chi Minh City has artists Thanh Hoa and Hien Phuoc who have won many major awards at international circus competitions," People's Artist Phi Vu cited as an example.