The tuong theatre was formed in the 12th century, and by the 17th century it was very much in vogue. The tuong play consists of dances, songs, and music which are all highly stylised, conventional, and imbued with symbolism. Space and time are presented through the words of the songs, dancing, gestures, and simple stage instruments. Thanks to the stylised, symbolic gestures used by the actors and a good deal of imagination on behalf of the spectators, the scenery remains very simple. Mountains, hills, rivers, dawn twilight, horse riding and battle fields are all presented on stage by using a minimum of accessories and technical equipment . There are about 500 classical tuong plays. The most popular ones include Son Hau, Dao Phi Phung, Tam Nu Do Vuong, Trung Nu Vuong and Ngheu So Oc Hen.

Traditional Musical Instrument |