The Teh Dar Show stands out as more than just an ordinary performance, especially for international travelers visiting Hoi An, Vietnam. It offers an enticing glimpse into wild melodies and cultural representations unique to the region. Regarded as a must-see cultural spectacle in Vietnam, Teh Dar serves as a poignant reminder of Vietnamese heritage, captivating a wide audience with its popularity. Drawing inspiration primarily from the Central Highlands people’s culture, the show has garnered significant acclaim. Dive into the article to delve deeper into this artistic portrayal of Vietnamese tribal culture, which remains rich with myths and traditions eagerly embraced by modern audiences.
What is the Teh Dar Show?
Teh Dar in K’ho language means to go around. In the culture of all ethnic groups in the Central Highlands, all community activities carry this symbol. The name of the show Teh Dar therefore implies that as long as the population of the central highlands continues to move; culture, tradition and ethnicity remain. This circle of life and culture will continue.
Like traditional plays (My Village or A O show), Teh Dar is a performing art combining circus, balance, acrobatics, juggling and contemporary dance. Players will perform with live music. The artists use around 20 types of folk instruments from the Central Highlands people, such as Bhana, E De, K’ho and Giarai. The list includes gongs, drums, kipa, ding nam, to rung, tu va and other traditional musical instruments, which are original artifacts of the Central Highlands.
The piece has minimal lines and a non-linear structure that does not follow chronological order. Artists use performance techniques to incorporate folk props to depict different aspects of the life and culture of the Vietnamese people.
What makes Teh Dar Show unique?
Vietnamese Bamboo Circus
The most exciting part of the play is the acrobatic and storytelling circus. The choreographers boldly arranged and used bamboo tools to form an inspiring artistic performance. In the esteemed light and minimalist scene, an image of the mountainous central highlands delighted the audience. The scenes were pushed to the climax and full of feeling.
Attractive Music of Tribal Instrument
Music takes center stage during pivotal moments of this modern theater production. The simplistic stage design, vibrant lighting, and live music resonate deeply with the audience. Musician Nguyen Nhat Ly expresses even greater aspirations for Teh Dar, emphasizing its continuous support throughout the performance. This evokes memories of Vietnam’s cultural roots, particularly for those with connections to the Central Highlands, from traditional buffalo horns to the original percussion instruments of tribal communities.
Creative performances
Teh Dar show paints a unique canvas of colors, with breathtaking elements like rope acrobatics and fire dancing that leave an indelible mark on the audience. Each performance is a journey of surprises, filled with electrifying steps and movements that keep spectators on the edge of their seats. The genuine emotion displayed by every performer touches the hearts of viewers, fostering a deep admiration for the show’s artistic merit.
Discover the vibrant cultural tapestry of Vietnam’s Central Highlands with our exclusive Vietnam tour packages. You can see the Teh Dar Show in two theaters in Vietnam:
– Saigon Opera House: 07 Cong Truong Lam Son Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
– Hoi An Lune Center: 1A Nguyen Phuc Chu Street, Minh An District, Hoi An, Quang Nam.
