The work is co-directed by artists Tong Toan Thang and Tran Quang Khai, with a script by Doctor Bui Huu Duoc and cai luong adaptation by artist Phan Ngoc Chi. The play premieres to commemorate 717 years since Buddhist Emperor Tran Nhan Tong entered nirvana (1308-2025). It recreates the king's life from birth, growth, and ascension to the throne, leading the army and people to victory against the Nguyen-Mong invaders, to abdicating, becoming a monk, and founding the Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen sect.
Tong Toan Thang, Director of the Vietnam Circus Federation, stated the production aims to reach a broad audience, especially young people. After many discussions, the team streamlined the story, selecting the most impactful details to convey within 95 minutes. According to Meritorious Artist Tran Quang Khai, the play features an easy-to-understand plot, does not heavily emphasize dramatic conflict, and highlights entertainment, helping a wide audience better understand the character, ideology, and legacy of King Tran Nhan Tong.
 |
Artist Minh Hai (right) plays Buddhist Emperor Tran Nhan Tong. Photo: Organizers provided |
Choreographer Tuyet Minh explained that upon receiving the assignment and reviewing the demo, she, along with the two directors and People's Artist Huynh Tu – who composed and arranged the music – analyzed each detail. They ensured the music connected with the performance, creating a unified whole. This approach enabled the team to bring the historical story closer to the public.
The play "Tran Nhan Tong" is staged on a square stage instead of the traditional round space, utilizing modern sound, lighting, and projection technology. This setup demands intense focus from the circus artists to execute precise movements.
The team incorporates many aerial acts and multi-layered spatial elements, such as the scene depicting Tran Nhan Tong's birth combined with aerial silk performances, and battle scenes featuring acrobatics and trampolines. A highlight of the production is the inclusion of animal circus acts involving monkeys, goats, and pigs, recreating a rural village and market setting. The circus acts showcase technical skill, while cai luong serves to guide the narrative and portray character psychology.
 |
An aerial silk performance by artists Thanh Tuan, Thu Huong. Photo: Organizers provided |
The play is a collaborative production by the Vietnam Circus Federation and the Vietnam Cai Luong Theater (currently part of the Vietnam National Traditional Stage Theater). It premieres on 20, 21 and 28/12 at the Central Circus Theater. In 2020, the two units first combined circus and cai luong in "Cay gay than" (The Magic Staff), part of the "Huyen su Viet" (Vietnamese Legends) project, aimed at honoring traditional national cultural values and attracting audiences to performing arts. The project's second work, "Thuong thien Thanh Mau" (Heavenly Holy Mother), debuted in 2022.
King Tran Nhan Tong (1258-1308) was deeply influenced by his grandfather, Emperor Tran Thai Tong, and his father, King Tran Thanh Tong, both engaged Zen masters who led the Tran dynasty. The emperor favored his intelligent grandson, instructing him in kingship and imparting his views on Buddhism. Their conversations and interactions significantly shaped the ideology of Buddhist Emperor Tran Nhan Tong, who founded the Truc Lam Zen sect. After 15 years of reign, in 1293 (Quy Ty year), the king abdicated in favor of his son Tran Thuyen (later King Tran Anh Tong) and became Thai Thuong Hoang (Retired Emperor) to prepare for his monastic life.
Phuong Linh
