CADAO Collective brings Vietnam's authentic cultural heritage to contemporary audiences. A highlight is the integration of three performing arts deeply rooted in Hanoi's identity: Xam folk singing, reflecting the rhythms of urban life; Ca Tru, embodying the refined scholarly traditions of the ancient capital; and water puppetry, rich in folklore and rustic charm. Together, they create a comprehensive cultural journey for both domestic and international visitors.
"CADAO Collective isn't a static museum. It's a living cultural space where heritage comes alive and evolves alongside modern urban life through engaging, immersive experiences," said Nguyen Minh Thang, Head of Marketing and Strategy at CADAO Collective.
The performances at CADAO Collective take audiences on an artistic journey that bridges traditions with contemporary creativity.
At the Water Puppet Show, audiences enjoy theatrical performances inspired by classic Vietnamese folk tales. The production combines traditional water puppetry with shadow puppetry, accompanied by specially composed music that blends traditional melodies with modern arrangements, offering a fresh perspective on the traditional art form. The handcrafted water pavilion stage incorporates traditional architectural elements and minimalist contemporary design, creating a performance space that is both culturally authentic and visually distinctive.
Ta Trung Dung, Artistic Director and Head of the Tay Ho Puppet Troupe, said that they want to introduce modern innovations to water puppetry because it's a traditional art form that has been rooted in folk life for generations.
“Our aim is to introduce new elements without changing its essence—whether by redesigning the water pavilion or giving each puppet new movements that complement modern music and resonate with younger audiences," Dung noted.
Visitors can also enjoy the Ca Tru show, featuring refined vocals that preserve the sophisticated, scholarly essence of this UNESCO-recognized art form. The Xam performance space showcases melodies long associated with Hanoi's Old Quarter, featuring performances by People's Artist Xuan Hoach, artisan Ta Hanh, and other master performers.
Artistic Director Dung said, "At CADAO Collective, we work directly with master artisans. It's no longer just older audiences who appreciate these art forms.”
“Young people are showing growing interest. Every visit offers them a deeper understanding of traditional arts and the opportunity to hear firsthand stories from the artisans themselves," he added.
What sets CADAO Collective apart is that the audience can engage directly with the artisans, learn about the history of each art form, and even try traditional instruments such as the three-stringed lute, monochord, two-stringed fiddle, clappers, and praise drum.
"In the near future, we plan to launch training classes in Ca Tru, Xam singing, and puppetry to nurture the next generation of singers and puppet performers. We also want to offer visitors the most convenient way to experience the richness of Hanoi's traditional performing arts in a single visit," said Nguyen Minh Thang, Head of Marketing and Strategy at CADAO Collective.
The venue also offers a culinary experience featuring locally sourced dishes inspired by Vietnamese folklore.
Nguyen Trung Hieu, a Hanoi resident, said he is impressed by the thoughtful layout of CADAO Collective.
“The first floor hosts the water puppet theatre, the second floor is dedicated to cuisine, and the third floor features Xam and Ca Tru performances. I especially enjoy the combination of artisanal food and traditional arts. Sitting in a cozy space with a cup of cocoa while listening to Ca Tru or watching a water puppet performance makes for a complete cultural experience," Hieu noted.
Craftsmanship lies at the heart of CADAO Collective. Every decorative detail, performance prop, and dining space has been carefully handcrafted by local artisans. The venue aims to become a cultural hub with a modern pulse, fostering a community dedicated to preserving and upholding Vietnam's rich artistic heritage.
