Bac Ninh: Bringing traditional art closer to the audience

BAC NINH - Not only in memories or village festivals, nowadays many traditional art forms of Bac Ninh have "stepped out" into the streets, central squares, large stages, attracting a large number of people and tourists. The programs are organized elaborately and attractively, reviving a rich, new and familiar folk cultural space, affirming the enduring vitality of heritage in contemporary life.

Traditional art attracts audiences

On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of National Day September 2, Nghia Long Lake area ( Bac Giang ward) became a cultural meeting place attracting thousands of people to enjoy the art program "Reunion of bamboo and mai" organized by artists of Bac Ninh Quan Ho Folk Song Theater, Bac Ninh Cheo Theater, and the Provincial Center for Culture and Tourism Promotion. On the shore is an elaborately designed stage, under the lake, 5 dragon boats glide gently, creating a scene that is both ancient and modern.

Water puppet show at 3/2 Square.

In the shimmering space with lights reflecting on the water surface, the artists, male and female singers sang sweet cheo and quan ho melodies such as: Happy four seasons, Than luo bao quan lam dau, Sitting on the boat's side, Sending you a love song, Do dua... making the audience excited. In the crowd standing around the lake, Mrs. Than Thi Doan, Da Mai ward shared: "It's been a long time since I've heard quan ho on a boat in the middle of the city, I feel like I'm seeing the Lim festival atmosphere, both familiar and imbued with the identity of my homeland".

Also during the Independence Day of the nation, at 3/2 Square (Bac Giang Ward) and Bac Ninh Museum No. 2 (Kinh Bac Ward), the artisans of Luy Lau Water Puppetry Troupe (Song Lieu Ward) brought to the public special water puppet performances. Opening with the humorous image of Teu, followed by a series of plays: Plowing, Catching fish, Fighting foxes and catching ducks, Dragon dance... combined with witty dialogue, drum sounds, beat and smooth Quan Ho melodies. That harmony created a performance space that was both lively and lyrical, making the audience continuously applaud. Artisan Nguyen Thanh Lai, Head of Luy Lau Water Puppetry Troupe, expressed: "The enthusiastic cheering of the audience made us very excited. That is the motivation for the members to continue to create and preserve this unique folk theater form."

Similarly, the OCOP product exhibition fair at Ngo Gia Tu Park recently, the traditional art performance space created its own color, attracting visitors. In particular, participating in the National Achievement Exhibition at the National Exhibition Center (Hanoi) from August 28 to September 15, Bac Ninh brought a series of folk culture experience activities: Demonstration of Dong Ho folk painting making, woodblock printing at Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, introduction of traditional cuisine and Quan Ho, Ca Tru, Then singing performances... spreading Kinh Bac culture to domestic and international friends.

In recent years, localities in the province have regularly organized cultural and artistic programs to improve the spiritual life of the people. There, folk art is always the highlight and is warmly welcomed by the public. Many young people enthusiastically record and share on social networks, contributing to bringing folk art closer to the community. The ancient melodies and ancient performances when resounding in today's space affirm the enduring vitality of heritage in contemporary life.

Preserving and promoting the value of heritage

The folk art programs that have taken place in recent times are a prominent color in the rich picture of Bac Ninh's cultural life. Folk art is making a strong comeback in today's life, bringing the community new and familiar "spiritual food". According to the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, since the beginning of 2025, the whole province has organized hundreds of performances, exchanges, and introductions of folk heritage at the grassroots level. Special genres such as Quan Ho, Cheo, Water Puppetry, Ca Tru, Hat Trong Quan, etc. appear regularly in festivals and major events, creating "cultural feasts" for the people. Behind the attractive programs and performances are the persistent efforts of artisans and artists to "keep the fire burning", renew and spread the value of heritage to the public.

In recent years, the cultural sector and localities have regularly organized cultural and artistic programs to improve the spiritual life of the people. There, folk art is always the highlight and is welcomed by the public. Many young people are excited to record and share on social networks, contributing to bringing folk art closer to the community.

Bac Ninh currently has 7 heritages recognized by UNESCO, 33 national intangible cultural heritages and nearly 1,400 traditional festivals. This is a precious treasure and at the same time poses a great responsibility in preserving and promoting. The province has issued many policies and creative solutions so that the heritage is not only "preserved" but also truly integrated with modern life. Traditional festivals are restored, special rituals and unique folk games are recreated. Many types of performing arts such as Quan Ho, Cheo, Hat Then, Trong Quan, Ca Tru... are preserved and taught through classes and clubs. Immediately after Quan Ho folk songs were honored by UNESCO, the province directed the organization of the "Return to Quan Ho land" Festival, maintaining Quan Ho singing on boats, bringing the heritage to participate in major political and cultural diplomatic events at home and abroad. Research, collection and promotion work are promoted on many media channels, contributing to enriching and spreading the value of heritage.

At the same time, the forms of Cheo, Ca Tru, Then singing, and Soong Co singing are also honored and spread through festivals and performances, attracting artisans, clubs, and young people to participate. At the grassroots level, many localities organize drum singing competitions, Cheo and Quan Ho performances, etc., mobilizing the community to participate. It is this resonance that turns the performance into a festival, where art is not only performed but also shared and transmitted. To make the art program attractive, sectors and units always focus on investing in scripts, elaborate staging, and wide promotion, so they are well received by the audience. Artisans - those who hold the soul of the heritage - are honored, supported, and encouraged to continue spreading the value of heritage to future generations. According to Mr. Trinh Huu Hung, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, bringing folk art into cultural events not only serves the spiritual needs of the people but is also an effective way of preservation. In the coming time, Bac Ninh will continue to invest in performance spaces at relics and tourist attractions; linking heritage with tourism development, promoting socio-economic development and expanding the art playground for the community.

Vi Le Thanh

Source: https://baobacninhtv.vn/bac-ninh-dua-nghe-thuat-truyen-thong-den-gan-khan-gia-postid426447.bbg