Where colors meet characters: Face painting traditions of Binh Dinh’s 'tuong' stage

Here, the art of face painting is more than just preparation.

It’s the soul of the character, a living tradition passed down through generations.

Often hailed as the ‘cradle of tuong,’ Binh Dinh Province has given rise to legendary theatrical figures like Dao Duy Tu and Dao Tan, and once hosted some of the country’s most celebrated opera troupes.

In this coastal province, tuong isn’t just a performance—it’s a way of life.

A delicate dance of color and character

In Binh Dinh’s classical tuong theater, actors are trained not only in singing, dancing, and acting—but also in the sacred ritual of painting their own faces.

This practice is central to shaping a character’s identity on stage.

Every brushstroke, color, and contour follows strict traditional codes.

But it’s more than formulaic—each design reveals a character’s personality, social status, and moral compass.

For the performers, face painting is a way to breathe life into their roles.

From the moment an aspiring tuong artist enters the world of theater, they are taught the fundamentals of face painting.

But tradition dictates that their mentor will only demonstrate half a face—leaving the rest to the student’s hand, intuition, and deepening understanding of the art.

Face painting requires ambidexterity: artists must use both hands simultaneously to mirror the design on either side of their face.

It’s a test of coordination, patience, and a nuanced grasp of visual storytelling.

“For tuong, makeup is essential,” said young artist Thai Phien.

“It’s not just about technique—it’s about artistic sensibility and truly understanding the character. Every line must mean something.”

Veteran performer and People’s Artist Xuan Hoi agreed.

“Each face type—red, black, fierce, gentle—signals the role’s essence,” he explained.

“The audience can often recognize a character’s nature just by looking at the face.”

When paired with dialogue, movement, and costume, these visual cues complete the illusion, turning the performer into a living symbol on stage.

Heroes and villains, loyalists and betrayers

Tuong makeup falls into three main techniques: outlining, color blocking, and detailing.

Bold, exaggerated designs ensure that characters are readable from the back rows of a packed theater.

And these faces tell stories—of valor and villainy, loyalty and deceit.

A single glance might reveal whether a character is virtuous or cunning, noble or corrupt.

Along with other central provinces, Binh Dinh remains a stronghold of tuong culture.

The traditional opera has endured wars, political shifts, and the tides of modernity, but its pulse still beats strong.

With its heroic tales, thunderous drums, and expressive aesthetics, Binh Dinh’s tuong theater continues to captivate both local hearts and curious visitors.

And at its core lies the enduring, intricate art of face painting—a timeless bridge between history and performance.