On the evening of 25/9, the Vietnam Circus Federation launched its "Son Than Thuy Quai" program at the Central Circus Theater. The premiere drew 1,200 guests, filling every seat in the venue. Ticket prices for the show ranged from 200,000 dong to 300,000 dong.

The production draws inspiration from the Vietnamese legend of Son Tinh, Thuy Tinh, but presents it through a new theatrical language. By blending traditional circus art with modern 3D mapping technology, the show offers audiences a fresh and immersive visual experience.

People's Artist Tong Toan Thang, director of the Vietnam Circus Federation, stated that the idea for a technology-integrated circus program was conceived in late 2022. This ambitious project required renovating the 30-year-old theater to incorporate water and 3D mapping technology, mirroring modern theaters worldwide. The goal is to provide audiences with a new emotional experience, moving beyond a previous era where the circus industry sometimes focused on technical displays with fragmented content.

The traditional detail of King Hung's wedding challenge, demanding a "nine-tusked elephant and nine-spurred chicken", is reinterpreted in the show. It becomes a quest for a talented and virtuous individual capable of shouldering the nation's burdens and caring for its people, thus creating a fair competition for the two deities. Thang also conveyed other messages through the performance, such as "good triumphs over evil, but evil always exists in society, waiting for its resurgence", "faithful love", and "a spirit of living in harmony with nature".

Aerial acrobatic performances by the actors portraying Son Than, Thuy Than, and Mi Nuong are a highlight. The program took four months to prepare from its initial concept. About over one week before the dress rehearsal, "teaser" videos were released, generating a buzz on the first day of ticket sales. "Circus is no longer just for children or families", Thang stated.

The stage constantly transforms with the story's progression thanks to 3D mapping technology, transporting audiences from Son Than's peaceful mountain forests to the fierce seas during the battle with Thuy Than (photo). According to Thang, integrating 3D mapping into the stage production presented a challenge, requiring careful adjustment to ensure audiences would not be overwhelmed by the technology and overlook the actors' performances. "At times, 3D mapping guides the audience through the journey; at other times, it serves as a backdrop for the performers, elevating the stage," he explained.

Action scenes are enhanced by water and fire effects, making them more visually stunning.

The battle between Son Than and Thuy Than unfolds in the final act. The "Son Than Thuy Quai" program will run until the end of the year. In the coming time, the show may incorporate additional effects and new technology to enhance the audience experience.

Le Ngoc Hien, 30, from Hanoi, visited the circus for the first time in over 15 years, initially "just to see". She was surprised by the scale of the performance and the storytelling, which captivated her for the entire 70-minute duration. "I used to think circus acts were just a few acrobatic routines or animal performances; a production with this level of investment is truly surprising," she remarked.

Hoai Anh

Photos: Hoang Giang