Vietnamese circus looks forward to new stature

HÀ NỘI – Nearly a hundred acrobats from major circus troupes nationwide have gathered to showcase their skills at the 2024 National Circus Talent competition.

Artists from 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 presented a repertoire of more than 20 performances during the five-day event, which took place in Hà Nội from August 9-13.

Acrobats from major circus troupes nationwide have gathered to compete at the 2024 National Circus Talent competition. Photo courtesy of Việt Nam Circus Federation

The only representative from HCM City, the Phương Nam Art Theatre, showcased four performances, including Collective Juggling, Swan Dance—Couple Swing, 4-Male Image, and Standing Hand on Carpet, which were enthusiastically welcomed by the audiences.

Director of Phương Nam Art Theatre, Meritorious Artist Lê Diễn, said: "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."

Within the framework of the National Circus Talent 2024 competition, a large audience enthusiastically cheered for the street circus parades with outstanding performances by professional artists. On Trần Nhân Tông walking street and around Thiền Quang Lake, local residents and tourists enthusiastically welcomed circus performers from all over the country.

Artist Hiển Phước from the Phương Nam Art Theatre said that the special thing about the competition is that his group made short video clips to show the audience the process of assembling props, practising 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 said.

Circus’ new stature

Recently young acrobats have also integrated their acts with other performance styles. For instance, the Việt Nam Circus Federation has successfully merged circus acts with cải lương (reformed opera) and rock music.

Circus managers noted that this year’s competition featured many acts showcasing the performers’ adventurous spirit and bravery, captivating the audience. Achieving such daring feats requires the artists to possess high qualifications and exceptional skills, a level of precision the result of relentless hard work and dedication.

“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,” said Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyễn Thị Minh Thái.

A performance at the 2024 National Circus Talent competition. Photo courtesy of Việt Nam Circus Federation

Experts have noted encouraging signs in the Vietnamese circus industry, highlighting a growing focus on artistic elements alongside technical skills. Several troupes have incorporated themes into their performances to enhance their artistic value. Notably, numerous shows have also effectively used traditional cultural features, from costumes and music to staging concepts.

“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.

Deputy Director of the Department of Performing Arts Trần Hướng Dương said: “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.”