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Location: Royal Theater is located in the
east of the Quang Minh Palace (Palace of Brightness) in the Forbidden Citadel.
Characteristics: The Royal Theater was the oldest of Vietnamese
traditional stage that remained. It was closed after the end of the monarchy
(Jan 8th, 1945).
During the U.S temporary occupation it was used by the South Government for the
Hue Music College (present-day Hue Art University). The Royal Theater was built
by Emperor Minh Mang in 1826. It was large, rectangular-shaped with curved
eaves, similar to those of Hue pagodas and communal houses, supported by two
rows of iron-wood, red lacquered columns decorated with intertwined dragon and
cloud designs. On each column hung a painting of Hue scenery in a golden frame,
carved with dragon designs. The sky-blue ceiling above was painted with figures
of sun, moon and stars, symbolizing the universe. The building was connected
with the royal living quarters by snaky roofed galleries. A square-shaped stage
occupied the central part of the floor. No decoration was used to distinguish
the real world from the theatrical one. Behind the stage were two doors. Actors
and actresses made their entrances from the right-side and exited on the left.
Behind the wall was a large room for storing scripts, theatrical headgear,
footwear and props. The highest position of this room was occupied by an altar
dedicated to two founders of the court opera theater. The room opened onto the
court east of the Forbidden Citadel (this entrance was used by actors and
actresses). Across the stage was a high tower of two levels. The top level, next
to the western wall, was reserved to the queen, concubines and maidservants. On
the ground level was a carved chair for the Emperor. These two levels were kept
separated by a bamboo blind which offered the spectators a good view of the
outside, preventing them from being seen. Only the fluttering sounds made by
fans, such as birds’ wings, or giggles could sometimes be heard. On both sides
of the Emperor's carved chair were other chairs for State guests. There sat the
Governor General and the Superior Resident sometimes during the French
occupation.
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