Hanoi Opera House, a temple of art

As from this autumn forth, the Opera House will be hosting more classical shows to meet the public’s entertainment needs. 

Dubbed a miniature of the Opera Garnier in Paris, the Hanoi Opera House was built in 1911. It was assessed by Japanese architects as one of the most beautiful buildings in Southeast Asia. The Hanoi Opera House is now the most opulent building in Hanoi, and houses major events, meetings, and high-class performances by domestic and world troupes.

Although it is touted as a temple of Vietnamese art, the Hanoi Opera House used to be a venue for miscellaneous, non-artistic shows, get-togethers, and celebrations for organizations and businesses. 

Top-notch artistic performances, including traditional shows as cheo (classical opera), tuong (classical drama), and cai luong (reformed theatre) rarely took place there. The Opera House was turned into an “event house” rather than a rendez-vous point for art professionals and lovers, which did not benefit its artistic and architectural prestige. 

Historian Duong Trung Quoc suggests that it’s time to restore the Opera House’s original functions.

“It’s important to preserve both the tangible and intangible values of the Opera House. Events or shows that do not suit this venue should not be held there”, said Mr Quoc

The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism has ordered the Department of Performing Arts and the Hanoi Opera House to work on high-quality programs to be staged at the Opera House until the end of this year. 

On the 71st anniversary of August Revolution and National Independence, on 2 September, grand programs will be held by the Symphony Orchestra, the Vietnam Drama Theatre, and the Cheo Theatre. Many shows, that have won gold or silver medals at national professional festivals, will debut at the fancy Hanoi Opera House. 

From this autumn, the Ministry of Culture, Spots, and Tourism intends to have highly-artistic performances of Cheo, drama, and classical music staged regularly at this venue.  The general public will have greater access to top-notch art forms. 

Kieu Ngan, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Drama Theatre, said “In other countries, opera houses are frequented by domestic and foreign visitors, who come to enjoy highly artistic shows. By doing so, they will understand more about the culture and art of the host country. The Hanoi Opera House should be such a destination.”