Discover the oldest theater in Vietnam
Channel: anyfuninVietnam
Date: 2023-06-23

Discover the oldest theater in Vietnam

Perhaps, anyone who has ever set foot in the ancient citadel, apart from the aspiration for sightseeing the attractions of the dreamy Huế, immerging themselves in the sense of nostalgia of imperial mausoleums and tombs or wowing at imposing and solemn Tử Cấm Thành (Forbidden City), also wish to enjoy “nhã nhạc cung đình Huế” (Hue Royal Court Music), a quintessence  in traditional and human music. During the monarchy, only emperors, royalties, high-ranking mandarins or special foreign devoys were served with such performances. Nowadays, luckily, each of us can enjoy Hue royal court music firsthand at one of the oldest theaters in Vietnam: Duyệt Thị Đường Royal Theater.

The performance we are enjoying is a piece of “đại nhạc” (great music) in Hue royal court music. The great music has an impressive title: “Song tấu trống kèn mã vũ du xuân tấu mã” (Duet of the Drum and Ken of Horse’s Dance, Spring Walk and Riding Horse), previously performed during Tet and national holidays. What is special about this performance lies in the fact that the artists are members of a three generation family. What is more particular is this artist is now aged 102. He is one of the most elderly living court music artists. 

Legend has it that under Nguyễn Dynasty, “hát tuồng hát bội” (classical drama) was much loved by the emperors, mandarins and the masses. During Minh Mạng’s reign, a school was established to train classical drama actors named Thanh Bình Thự. Duyệt Thị Đường Royal Theater was built within Tử Cấm Thành (Forbidden City) for both serving royalities and performing “tuồng” (classical drama), “kịch hát” (musical theater), “ca Huế” (Hue chamber music) at emperor’s requests and per emperor’s hobbies.

This is an aerial photo of Duyệt Thị Đường Royal Theater taken since 1932. From here we can easily see the location and extensive scale of Duyệt Thị Đường. The theater is situated on the left of “Tử Cấm Thành” (Forbidden City) and connected to “điện Càn Thành” (Can Thanh Palace where the emperors rest and dine) by a roofed galleries. Duyệt Thị Đường expands on an area of 11.740 m², in which 1.182 m² is dedicated to the theater. Located right in Imperial Citadel, Duyệt Thị Đường showcases its own special features. Inside its campus, apart from the bronze urn and two dragons standing loftily in front of the yard, we can also see the Western architecture of the theater through these lamp posts. And Duyệt Thị Đường is not only known for its grand scale, but also highly appreciated by the unique architecture.

Duyệt Thị Đường Royal Theater has gone through quite a few restorations and repairs. The original ancient architecture is no longer preserved. However, the theater keeps sustaining its invaluable historical and artful values. Through nearly 200 years of existence, Duyệt Thị Đường has witnessed many ups and downs of the history. There was time when Duyệt Thị Đường was thought to be a relics, while the sound of music and singing was supposed to come to an end. However, Duyệt Thị Đường continues its way with the invaluable historical and artiful values. The performances for Nguyễn Dynasty’s emperors are now an echo and shadow upon a time. Still, Duyệt Thị Đường will remain as Huế’s traditional royal theater where the quintessence and spirit of Vietnam art are preserved./.


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