The magazine of the art-form of the photo-essay
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July 2015 back issue
by Christian Rodriguez
The Vietnam Circus Federation was founded, as a private company, by Ta Duy Hien (1889-1966) on January 16, 1956.
It was intended to provide an opportunity for many artists to work in the circus. Trainees were put through circus school
and encouraged to live as one big circus family.
After the war against France, the circus was given to the Vietnamese government becoming The Vietnam Circus
Federation and Hien was its first director. Today, Hien’s family are still involved with the circus. His son, Ta Duy Nhan is
one of the leaders of the Circus and his daughter was one of their stars in the 90s.
Inspired by photographer Mary Ellen Mark's project entitled Circus, I decided to photograph the next generation of
artists portrayed in her series, including the sons and daughters. I began this project in 2009 during a three week trip to
Vietnam.
This project documents two of the largest circus companies in Vietnam - the Vietnam Circus Federation located in the
capital, Hanoi and another located in the city of Ho Chi Minh, the most populous city in the country.
Nguyen Thi Thai Yen (23 years old) before going on stage in Hanoi (center of the picture). Vietnam Circus federation,
Lenin Park, Hanoi.
Dao Nhu Ngoc (24 years old, black nightgown) looks at the skyline of Ho Chi Minh city on the roof of "Le Than"
building where most artists live. She shares a room with Do Thu Trang (22 years old) and Bnguyen Thi Dong (22 years
old, green nightgown). Ho Chi Minh city.
A view of the houses in "Le Than" building. "Le Than" was once a big city theatre but today is totally destroyed and in
danger of collapse. Artists build their houses where the theatre chairs once stood.
Nguyen Hoa Hoang Vu (13 years old) eats a cherry tomato for breakfast. Ma Hoang An (27 years old) and Thi Thu
Hiep (21 years old) sleep on the bed. "Le Than" building in Ho Chi Minh city.
Lo Thi Ngoc Thuy is an artist at The Vietnam Circus Federation. She is 19 years old and joined the circus in 2010. She
lives in a building belonging to the circus in Lenin Park, Hanoi and shares a room with three other artists.
The circus magician holds a cage with doves used during the "Toi khong nho" Tour, Nam Dinh province, 100 km south
of Hanoi. Vietnam Circus Federation.
A student of the Hanoi circus school.
Cao Xuan Hien during a training and the monkey. The monkey is not separated from Hien because since was born are
together. Vietnam Circus Federation, Lenin Park, Hanoi.
Nguyen Van Giang is the elephant trainer in the Vietnam Circus Federation. Lenin Park, Hanoi.
The dog and the monkey rider. Vietnam Circus Federation, Lenin Park, Hanoi.
Nguyen Thi Thu Hiep does an exercise of warm-up minutes before the show. Ho Chi Minh city.
A policeman watching the clowns during the Ninh Binh tour of The Vietnam Circus Federation. 100km south of Hanoi.
Dinh Van Tuan (22 years old, L) and Dao Nhu Ngoc (23 years old, R) watch the show. Ho Chi Minh City.
Pham Thi Hai Yen (24 years old), hula-hoop girl, after finishing her show on the Ninh Binh tour.
The tent of The Vitenam Circus Federation located on the campus of My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi.
