A group of Multimedia Communication students received 20 million VND from the university to develop their graduation project on tuong (Vietnamese classical drama), thanks to its strong applicability and contribution to bringing traditional culture closer to young people.
“Tuong Tan Tich” is a communication project carried out by K17 Multimedia Communication students: Nguyen Viet Son, Nguyen Que Chi, Nguyen Dang Thi Thuy Tien, Dang Thi Huyen Trang and Tran Ngoc Duc. The project aims to connect young people with tuong – one of Vietnam’s traditional stage arts – through fresh and relatable approaches. The name “Tuong Tan Tich” combines tradition and modernity, evoking the idea of retelling old stories with a new spirit, making tuong more approachable for students and pupils.
Sharing about the idea, member Que Chi said: “We realized that tuong is a form of art rich in values but still unfamiliar to the young generation. That’s why we wanted to do something to spark interest and pride in national culture within our own generation.”
Throughout the project, the team launched several notable activities, including a social media series introducing tuong from a modern perspective, using youth-friendly language to reach Gen Z. They also produced the podcast “Tuong ke,” where young enthusiasts shared experiences, memories and emotions with the art form.
The highlight of the campaign was the talkshow and performance event “Loi Tuong – Tieng tre,” which attracted 400 students. The event blended stage performance, talkshow, and experiential workshop, allowing participants to transform into tuong characters, learn performing and makeup techniques directly from artists. A distinctive feature was the discussion “Communication in the digital age – How to bring traditional art closer to young audiences,” shared from the viewpoint of Gen Z communicators passionate about preserving heritage with modern media tools.
The project achieved results far beyond expectations. Its communication platforms recorded hundreds of thousands of interactions: over 84,000 on Facebook, more than 517,000 views on TikTok, and over 36,000 views on YouTube. The podcast surpassed 100,000 listens, double the target. The offline event nearly doubled its expected attendance. By the end, the project accumulated 864,000 views, nearly 10,000 new followers, and more than 508,000 total engagements.
To reach these outcomes, the team overcame many challenges, especially in acquiring knowledge of tuong. “This is a profound art form. Artists and researchers often spend their entire lives studying it. Meanwhile, we only had about a month to research and implement the project, so of course we couldn’t absorb the entire body of knowledge,” Que Chi said.
By attending live performances, working with the Vietnam Tuong Theater, and listening to artists’ stories, the team gained practical insights and deeper empathy for the art’s essence. They watched many classic and modern plays such as “Tinh me,” “Son Hau,” “Dao Tam Xuan de co,” and “On Dinh chem Ta.” They also met and learned from tuong artists, including the husband-and-wife duo NSUT Loc Huyen – Manh Linh, who inspired them.
The project received strong support from both lecturers and the university in communication and funding. FPT University provided 20 million VND for Tuong Tan Tich to be implemented and reach the student community. Under the guidance of lecturer Hoang Mai Anh, the team developed their ideas scientifically yet creatively. The students shared that Hoang Mai Anh was not only a teacher but also a companion, helping them stay motivated through challenges.
“Thanks to the support from lecturers and FPT University, we realized that the university’s vision goes beyond academic training. It also encourages students to engage with traditional arts, so that national culture can spread and thrive in a modern, youth-friendly way,” Que Chi said.
Tuong Tan Tich was presented at the graduation defense in Hanoi, impressing the audience with carefully prepared costumes. The council praised its unique concept, practical value, and seamless blend of modern and traditional elements. More than just a graduation project, Tuong Tan Tich became a meaningful journey for young people to better understand, love, and feel proud of their national culture. It proved that when students are encouraged to be creative and to connect with traditional arts, cultural values can spread powerfully through the voices and media tools of the new generation.
Looking ahead, the team hopes to continue with activities such as tuong tours and podcasts to maintain a young community passionate about this art form. With their dedication and foundation, Tuong Tan Tich is expected to remain a creative bridge between tradition and modernity, contributing to preserving and revitalizing the essence of Vietnamese art.