Back in its second iteration, Flagship Genius featuring Văn Miếu-Quốc Tử Giám II exhibition continues to showcase the diverse talents of NAFA’s Faculty of Art and Design (FOAD) students, highlighting their creative interpretations of Hanoi’s cultural symbol – the Temple of Literature as well as industry projects, design illustrations, jewellery, furniture and paintingsby our talented alumni and students. As part of the academy-wide Be Inspired project, over 200 students engaged in Hát Bội mask-making workshops and tương traditional theatre led by principals from Vietnam, where they delved into the world of rich symbolism, colours and characters in Vietnamese theatre opera, connecting their respective fields of study with historical cultural practice.

NAFA programme leader Alicia de Silva and students from the School of Music gamelan ensemble performed “Unbreakable Bonds” and “Dragon Warrior” that kickstarted the opening festivities. These music arrangements, inspired by ancient folklore of Vietnam, added colour and atmosphere to the opening performance. This was followed by nuanced performances “The Dream Navigator” by Mandarin Theatre, “Harmony with Nature” by School of Dance and “Uniting Through Understanding” by English Drama students. As the event drew to a close, the gamelan ensemble performed two more pieces, “Golden Dream” and “Flow” amidst the appreciative audience comprising of staff and students of NAFA-UAS. Interwoven with the exhibition display, the performances offer a rich and immersive experience, bringing together contemporary expressions of traditional art forms.