From 19th to 20th centuries, traditional Vietnamese opera – Hát Bội – was an indispensable form of entertainment, commonly performed at government offices and village communal houses, during the Kỳ Yên mid-month festival. Hát Bội emphasized dance, masks, and singing in
the style of classical opera, often reenacting stories of loyalty, filialpiety, and righteousness. Competition from modern forms of entertainment has led to a decline in Hát Bội’s audience. Hát bội employs the use of stock characters who are recognizable from their make-up and costumes, which are typically very elaborate and extravagant. Character’s personalities can be revealed through three features: the color of the face, the eyebrows, and the beard.

Opera troupes have to fend for themselves, and actors often take on other
jobs to survive. However, this art form is facing the risk of being gradually forgotten and fading away with the passage of time.

“Ngoc Khanh” is the name of the one and only private traditional opera troupe in Vietnam. After years of traveling across the area, many members left the troupe and new ones joined. Most of the troupe’s performances currently take place in temples around Ho Chi Minh City and neighboring provinces. Stories in the opera tend to be ostensibly historical and frequently focus on the rules of social decorum, and can include legends from either the history of Vietnam. The backstage area of each performance is always fascinating, offering a glimpse into the contrasting real-life and surreal aspects of an artist’s life to the audiences.