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| Artists stage the excerpt “On Dinh Chem Ta” (On Dinh Beheads the General) from the play “Son Hau” |
Touching heritage
Within the framework of activities aimed at introducing students to Hue culture, the High School for Gifted Students under the University of Sciences, Hue University held extracurricular sessions with the participation of tuong artisans and performers, allowing students to directly engage with this traditional art form. Through presentations, performances, and exchanges, students had the chance to explore the history, performance features, and significance of tuong mask art.
Instead of dry lectures or mere visual illustrations, students are given a vivid and direct approach to tuong art. Each color and pattern on the masks conveys a distinct message, portraying character traits such as loyalty, deceit, courage, or cunning. What once seemed unfamiliar is gradually becoming more concrete, accessible, and easier to understand.
As one of today’s talented tuong artists, Meritorious Artist La Thanh Hung and performers from the Hue Royal Traditional Arts Theatre took part in direct exchanges with students. With years of experience, the artists not only introduced mask-painting techniques but also “uncovered” the meanings hidden behind every line and pattern. Stories about their craft and long-standing attachment to tuong were shared in a relatable way, helping students realize that each layer of makeup carries deep cultural values.
In particular, the opportunity to directly observe and take part in the mask-painting process right in the auditorium generated great excitement among students. Once familiar with tuong only through books or television, students now had the opportunity to “experience” the heritage firsthand. The artists also performed excerpts from a well-known tuong play, creating a lively stage atmosphere that helped students better visualize how characters are expressed through makeup, gestures, and vocals.
Nguyen Khoa Bao Tran, an 11th-grade IT major student selected by the artisans for a live mask-painting demonstration, said the experience was far more emotional than expected. “I feel deeply impressed and want to share more about tuong with everyone. It was only through directly experiencing the makeup process that I came to understand part of the effort artists put into delivering complete performances,” Tran said. Once familiar with tuong only through images, the student added that he now viewed the art form as much closer and more appealing.
The atmosphere of the experiential session grew increasingly vibrant. Students raised questions about learning the craft, preserving it, and how tuong could reach younger audiences more effectively. The interaction between the artists and students went beyond a simple exchange of information; it became a connection between two generations — one safeguarding the heritage and the other with the potential to carry it on in the future.
From experience to cultural preservation awareness
The inclusion of tuong art in local educational programs is not a new approach, but hands-on experiences are proving to be effective. When students are given the opportunity to “experience” the heritage firsthand, they not only absorb knowledge but also form emotional connections — an important factor in fostering awareness of cultural preservation.
According to teacher Nguyen Thi Mai Huong, organizing experiential activities on tuong mask art provides students with the opportunity to engage with a distinctive art form that has received limited attention. She said that direct participation allows students to understand and appreciate the art more deeply than through traditional theoretical lessons. In practice, most students appeared excited when experiencing a new and culturally rich art form for the first time.
After the group experience session, students were divided into smaller groups to continue working with artisans and performers. They carried out interviews, collected information, and completed learning projects such as introduction panels about the artisans or videos expressing their impressions of memorable tuong masks. This approach not only reinforced knowledge but also helped develop research, analytical, and creative skills.
Rather than stopping at a single activity, the school has identified this as an approach that should be maintained and further developed. Such experiential programs not only help students gain a deeper understanding of local culture but also nurture love for their homeland, awareness of heritage preservation, and proactive learning. Connections with art institutions and artisans are also regarded as essential in creating authentic and in-depth experiences.
In a context where many traditional art forms face the risk of fading away, creating spaces that are accessible and appealing to younger generations has become increasingly necessary. With their educational and guiding role, schools can become important bridges in this process. Beyond providing knowledge, schools also help spark students’ interest in and shape their attitudes toward cultural heritage.
Through a specific experiential activity, the incorporation of tuong into schools demonstrates a positive approach to cultural preservation. Without relying on overly complex methods, sometimes simply giving students the opportunity to participate directly, listen, and ask questions is enough to help heritage “come alive” in a more approachable way.