The Quintessence of Tonkin Show

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Introduction

To create this grandeur, The Quintessence of Tonkin show gathered a massive force of more than 250 performers. The sound and lighting system along with the world's most advanced 3D Mapping and laser projection technology were also maximized. Most notably is the water pavilion weighing tens of tons. This giant architectural block can move extremely flexibly, appearing and disappearing right beneath the water surface, creating visual effects that truly overwhelm viewers.

The performance is divided into 6 scenes, also called 6 coherent chapters; each chapter is like a vivid ink-wash painting painted right in nature.

Contents

Introduction
Story
Chapter 1: Poetry – Source of inspiration

More Other places

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Gioi Duc Pagoda (Hong An Temple)
Ung Hoa Commune
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Story

01Chapter 1: Poetry – Source of inspiration

The show opens with an absolutely silent space, bringing the audience back to the peace of the old Northern Vietnamese countryside. The image of an old fisherman sitting fishing in the vast lake, inspired by the Zen poems of Zen Master Tu Dao Hanh, evokes an elegant and otherworldly beauty.

The astonishing technical highlight in this scene is the appearance of the Water Pavilion. From the deep bottom of the lake, the pavilion weighing tens of tons slowly rises to the water surface majestically thanks to a giant hydraulic system. Combined with a laser lighting system simulating a starry night sky, the scene becomes indescribably magical.

The clear sound of bamboo flutes and the melodies of Bac Ninh Quan Ho folk singing echo against the Thay Mountain cliff, creating a natural surround-sound effect, gently leading viewers into the land of sacred spirits and exceptional people.

02Chapter 2: Buddha’s Realm – Sacredness and solemnity

The land of Sai Son and Thay Pagoda is associated with the practice of Zen Master Tu Dao Hanh, who is honored as the patriarch of water puppetry. Therefore, the Buddha’s Realm scene is the most sacred low note of The Quintessence of Tonkin.

Here, the audience will certainly get goosebumps when witnessing the pinnacle light performance. Brilliant golden beams shine down on the lake surface, symbolizing the halo of Buddhist teachings delivering sentient beings. In particular, the image of monks walking calmly right on the water will make many wonder about its authenticity.

In fact, the director of The Quintessence of Tonkin had a system of underwater walkways built just a small distance beneath the water surface, creating a visual illusion as if the monks are gliding over the waves, bringing an extremely mysterious and otherworldly feeling.

03Chapter 3: Nostalgia – A memory of a thousand years of civilization

Leaving the silent space of religion, Chapter 3 takes viewers back in time to the heroic history of examinations and scholarship. This is a vivid reenactment of the tradition of valuing education and honoring talent of old Hanoi people.

The scene of candidates carrying their litters and desks to exams, through to the day of triumphant return to honor their ancestors, is staged extremely elaborately with a large number of performers. A big plus is the meticulousness of the costumes. The ao the and khan xep were designed meticulously and accurately according to historical documents, not done carelessly. This scene is not only beautiful in form but also conveys a profound message about the moral principle of remembering the source when drinking water, honoring the spirit and intellect of northern scholars of the past.

04Chapter 4: Music and Painting – A symphony of sounds and colors

If the previous chapters focused on men and spirituality, Music and Painting is a stage honoring the beauty and talent of women in the past through the four qualities of Music – Chess – Poetry – Painting.

The uniqueness lies in the performance of four giant To Nu painting screens moving smoothly on the water surface. Northern Vietnamese girls in bright yem costumes perform graceful silk dances. At this time, the most advanced 3D Mapping technology is projected directly onto the screens and water surface, turning static images into brilliant moving films. The music in this part also becomes more intense and joyful, creating a colorful visual feast.

05Chapter 5: Peace and Joy – Mother Goddess worship

This is considered one of the most important spiritual highlights and emotional explosions of The Quintessence of Tonkin show. The content of this chapter fully reenacts the worship of the Three Palaces Mother Goddesses, an intangible cultural heritage representative of humanity recognized by UNESCO.

Audience will admire artistic mediumship rituals with gorgeous and elegant costumes. Chau Van music with fast, strong, and intense rhythms combined with transformative lighting makes viewers feel carried away by the sacred and exciting atmosphere. This is the segment that most clearly expresses the power and fascination of Vietnam’s indigenous spiritual culture.

06Chapter 6: Festival – An emotionally overwhelming ending

Closing the cultural journey is the bustling and lively atmosphere of a village festival. All distances between performers and audience seem to be erased.

Characteristic folk games such as palanquin processions, lion dances, dragon dances, or lively male-female repartee take place on both the water stage and on land. When the melody of the song 'Nguoi oi nguoi o dung ve' (Oh dear, please don't leave yet) rings out, it is also a wistful farewell from the hospitable people of the North to visitors from all over.

The lingering emotion is joy, appreciation, and pride in a brilliantly colorful wet-rice culture.

The Quintessence of Tonkin Show

Introduction

More Other places

Gioi Duc Pagoda (Hong An Temple)

Story

01Chapter 1: Poetry – Source of inspiration

02Chapter 2: Buddha’s Realm – Sacredness and solemnity

03Chapter 3: Nostalgia – A memory of a thousand years of civilization

04Chapter 4: Music and Painting – A symphony of sounds and colors

05Chapter 5: Peace and Joy – Mother Goddess worship

06Chapter 6: Festival – An emotionally overwhelming ending

Hai Giac Pagoda

Phuong Bang Pagoda (Hung Long)

Sung An Pagoda, also known as Sung Khang Pagoda (Dong Ba Pagoda)

Introduction

More Other places

Gioi Duc Pagoda (Hong An Temple)

Story

01|Chapter 1: Poetry – Source of inspiration

02|Chapter 2: Buddha’s Realm – Sacredness and solemnity

03|Chapter 3: Nostalgia – A memory of a thousand years of civilization

04|Chapter 4: Music and Painting – A symphony of sounds and colors

05|Chapter 5: Peace and Joy – Mother Goddess worship

06|Chapter 6: Festival – An emotionally overwhelming ending

Hai Giac Pagoda

Phuong Bang Pagoda (Hung Long)

Sung An Pagoda, also known as Sung Khang Pagoda (Dong Ba Pagoda)

01Chapter 1: Poetry – Source of inspiration

02Chapter 2: Buddha’s Realm – Sacredness and solemnity

03Chapter 3: Nostalgia – A memory of a thousand years of civilization

04Chapter 4: Music and Painting – A symphony of sounds and colors

05Chapter 5: Peace and Joy – Mother Goddess worship

06Chapter 6: Festival – An emotionally overwhelming ending