The immersive show “Tales of the Old Streets” (Chuyện phố Hàng) recreates the life of a Hanoi family running a traditional herbal medicine business in the Old Quarter between 1930 and 1945.
“Tales of the Old Streets” is a collaborative production between the Management Board of Hoan Kiem Lake and Hanoi Old Quarter and artists from the Youth Theatre. The show draws inspiration from the actual history and stories of the family that once owned the house—a middle-class family with a multi-generational tradition of practicing Eastern medicine. Staged within a historic house that is over 130 years old, the performance offers visitors a series of delightful surprises.
“Tales of the Old Streets” is part of a broader series of performances in Hanoi’s Old Quarter aimed at preserving and promoting the area’s heritage values, thereby boosting tourism appeal. The Old Quarter is a complex defined by streets dedicated to traditional crafts and structures linked to the thousand-year history of Thang Long. It boasts a rich and diverse array of tangible and intangible cultural heritage.
Intangible heritage values—such as daily lifestyles and spiritual life—require preservation and development. “Tales of the Old Streets” showcases a glimpse of these values, offering audiences fresh perspectives and experiences regarding the fusion of culture and art. The production incorporates various artistic elements, including physical theatre, mime, shadow dance, and traditional dance.
Recreating a Glimpse of Old Hanoi
The play revolves around the story of a family selling traditional Eastern medicine. The cast includes the master and mistress of the house (terms used by the middle class in the past), their Western-educated son, and the household staff. Although the son initially has no desire to pursue the family trade, he becomes deeply committed to finding a cure—combining Eastern and Western medical practices—after witnessing a young woman seeking treatment at the pharmacy. Through this experience, he develops a newfound appreciation for his family’s traditional Eastern medicine profession.
The production blends various art forms with sophisticated sound and lighting effects to transport the audience back in time. It engages the senses on multiple levels: from the fragrant aroma of medicinal herbs and the immersive experience of watching and listening to the play, to the enjoyment of refreshing lotus seed sweet soup throughout the performance.
The meaningful immersive show “Chuyện phố hàng” (Tales of the Old Streets) takes you back to a bygone era, offering a chance to understand the long-standing traditions and culture of our ancestors.
Venue: 87 Ma May Ancient House Heritage Site
Schedule: Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
