Review of the Northern Essence Scene Performance Show.

by Oanh Phạm

The Northern Essence Scene Performance Show is an artistic production aimed at recreating the traditions and cultural essence of the people in the Northern region of Vietnam. This show has been in existence for 10 years, crafted in a modern style that seamlessly combines artistry, creativity, professional sound, and lighting.

Join Onevivu in exploring the details of the Northern Essence Scene Performance Show below.

Learn about the Northern Essence Scene Performance Show

The Northern Essence Show is designed, innovated, and performed within the Baara Land entertainment and cultural complex. This professional production perfectly captures the natural beauty of the Northern region and the spiritual life of the Vietnamese people in the Red River Delta.

The show, rich in the essence of Vietnamese land, is composed of various segments to fully portray aspects of poetry, visual arts, Buddhist rituals, and festive imagery.

The Northern Essence Show has distinctive features that bring excitement to the audience, such as:

  • Performers are farmers from the Sai Son commune and some are students from various dance colleges.
  • The stage for the scene performance covers an area of ​​4300m2, the largest in the Northern region, showcasing the cultural beauty of the Northern people.
  • The Northern Essence Show has achieved many significant records, such as having the largest water stage in Vietnam and the highest number of participating farmers in any show in Vietnam.
  • CNN has also voted the Northern Essence Show as the “must-see performance when in Hanoi.
The live show of the Northern Essence - Musical Painting.
The live show of the Northern Essence – Musical Painting.

Venue for the Northern Essence Scene Performance Show

  • The Northern Essence Scene Performance Show takes place at the Tuần Châu Hanoi ecological urban entertainment and tourism area, located in Đa Phúc village, Sài Sơn commune, Quốc Oai district, Hanoi.
  • Show Schedule: The performance is scheduled every Saturday and Sunday, from 7:30 PM to 8:45 PM. In case of adverse weather conditions, the show may be temporarily suspended.

Ticket Prices, Timing, and Reservation

The ticket prices for the Northern Essence Show are categorized into different tiers:

  • Silver Ticket: 000 VND/ticket, with a total of 1121 seats in the silver section.
  • Gold Ticket: 000 VND/ticket, providing seating in the center of the stage, with a total of 969 seats in the gold section.
  • Diamond Ticket: 000 VND/ticket, representing the VIP section of the Northern Essence Scene Performance Show, with only 90 seats available.
  • Children’s Ticket: Children under 1.3 meters tall, when purchasing tickets corresponding to the above tiers, will be charged at 50% of the adult ticket price.

Content of the Northern Essence Scene Performance Show

The Northern Essence Show has a duration of 55 minutes, inspired by the history of the Thầy Pagoda to honor the beauty and traditional essence of the Vietnamese people. The performance includes the following segments:

Part 1: Poetry

The poem “Thu điếu” by Nguyễn Khuyến and the folk song “Tát nước đầu đình” serve as inspiration for the Poetry segment. Audiences will experience the serene and peaceful scenery of an ancient Vietnamese village, utilizing bamboo clusters, purposeful lighting effects, and a soothing musical backdrop accompanied by lullabies.

The live show of the Northern Essence - Musical Painting.
The live show of the Northern Essence – Musical Painting.

Part 2: The Realm of Buddha

The Realm of Buddha segment draws inspiration from the image of Zen Master Từ Đạo Hạnh to construct the narrative. According to tradition, Zen Master Từ Đạo Hạnh is believed to be the founder of Thầy Pagoda. Before dedicating himself to meditation, Master Đạo Hạnh was known as a healer, providing medical care, and guiding the impoverished on agricultural practices.

The performance of the Northern Essence Scene.
The performance of the Northern Essence Scene.

Part 3: Nostalgia (Lều Chõng)

The ancient Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long will be vividly recreated in this segment. Nostalgia depicts the grandeur of scholars heading to examinations in makeshift tents, showcasing the cherished tradition of scholarship and learning among the Vietnamese people.

Part 4: Musical Painting

Musical Painting draws inspiration from the painting ‘Tố Nữ Hàng Trống’ to build the storyline. This performance features four young women playing various traditional musical instruments such as flute, đàn tỳ bà (four-stringed lute), đàn nhị (two-stringed fiddle), and đàn nguyệt (moon-shaped lute). These melodic sounds are harmoniously combined with graceful dance movements, creating a profound musical experience and visually artistic imagery.

The live show of the Northern Essence - Musical Painting.
The live show of the Northern Essence – Musical Painting.

Part 5: Joyful Bliss

This segment showcases the performances of farmers engaged in agricultural activities such as farming and watering fields. It also includes the ritual of Hầu Đồng, stemming from the perspective of the Holy Mother.

The poetry of the Northern Essence.
The poetry of the Northern Essence.

Part 6: Festival

This section reenacts traditional folk games, quan họ singing competitions, and processions of Song Loan and Song Đình. The performance concludes with the song ‘Người ơi người ở đừng về’ (Oh people, stay and don’t leave), leaving a lasting impression in the hearts of the audience.

The live show of the Northern Essence - Musical Painting.
The live show of the Northern Essence – Musical Painting.

Certain Considerations when Attending the Northern Essence Scene Performance Show

When attending the Northern Essence Scene Performance Show, to fully appreciate the cultural essence and artistic beauty of the performance, it’s advisable to take note of the following:

  • Arrive at least 30 minutes before the commencement of the Northern Essence Scene Performance Show. This allows you to secure your seat and provides a relaxed mindset to fully immerse yourself in the entire performance.
  • Refrain from recording videos, taking photos, and bringing food into the venue. If you wish to eat, you can arrange to have food delivered from outside to the show.

The Northern Essence Show captivates audiences with its immense allure, capturing their attention and evoking unforgettable emotions. The show leaves indelible images and sounds in the minds of spectators. If you find yourself in Hanoi, take the opportunity to dedicate time to witness the largest Northern Essence Scene Performance Show in the region!

Oanh Phạm

Written by Oanh Phạm