The heritage of singing Ba Trao needs to be preserved.

The art of singing Ba Trao has been recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as a national intangible cultural heritage. However, this art form is at risk of fading away, so it is in need of solutions to preserve and develop it in the coming time.

Traditional folk singing. Photo: VAN PHIN

The worry of finding a successor.

Bả Trạo singing is a long-standing folk art form with spiritual elements, often performed during fishing festivals or the annual National Unity Day celebrations in coastal fishing villages of Tam Xuân, Tam Anh, Núi Thành, and Tam Hải communes ( Da Nang city). Bả Trạo singing is also known by other names such as Chèo Bả Trạo, Hò Hầu Linh, Hò Đưa Linh, etc.

This art form originated from coastal residents performing rituals to worship the Whale God, accompanied by the singing of "ba trạo" songs and dances depicting the actions of fishermen at sea. The purpose of the "ba trạo" singing ritual of the fishing village residents is to pray for favorable weather, calm seas, abundant catches of shrimp and fish, bringing prosperity and happiness to everyone.

The art of Bả Trạo singing is unique, with vivid and captivating scenes that enthrall viewers. The performers reenact every action in the entire process of a fisherman going out to sea to fish. The Bả Trạo singing troupe consists of: the chief of the bow (also called the chief of the front), the chief of the boat (also called the chief of the rear), the boat's commander (also called the chief of the stern), and 10 to 16 other members (called the Trạo crew).

Receiving the certificate recognizing the Ba Trao folk singing as a national intangible cultural heritage. Photo: VAN PHIN

Of the three "leaders" in the Bả Trạo folk singing style, the "Head Leader" is the most difficult to perform. The person in this position is considered the troupe leader and overall commander, requiring talent, a good voice, expertise in folk music, and a passion for Bả Trạo art. However, finding a young "Head Leader" to perform Bả Trạo is currently very difficult.

In Xuan Tan village (Tam Anh commune), there was an elderly man named Le Van Minh (who passed away in 2024) known as a veteran traditional folk singer. From the 1970s, he traveled throughout the coastal villages of South Central Vietnam to collect, research, and study the traditional folk singing style of "ba trao." Upon returning home, he formed a "ba trao" troupe, practiced, and performed at fishing festivals in many fishing villages.

Previously, with the support of the Culture and Information Department of the former Nui Thanh district, Mr. Minh established two youth folk singing troupes with members being junior and senior high school students. Through training, his folk singing troupes performed at many fishing festivals around the region. In reality, it's easy to find young folk singers, but very few people are capable of taking on the role of "Headmaster." Two people were "taught the trade" of being the Headmaster, but they didn't stay involved in folk singing because they had to focus on making a living.

Appropriate investment is needed.

Many years ago, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the former Quang Nam province provided an annual subsidy of 4 million VND to the traditional folk singing troupe of Tam Hoa commune. However, with this amount, after deducting the costs of each performance, it was difficult to sustain the activities of the 16 members. Over time, the folk singing troupe's activities have become increasingly infrequent. Some fishing villages in Tam Xuan commune, when organizing fishing festivals or National Unity Day celebrations, often have to hire folk singing troupes from Hoi An.

The traditional folk singing troupe of Xuan Tan village, Tam Anh commune. Photo: VAN PHIN

Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, from Xuan Tan village (Tam Anh commune), said: "Mr. Le Van Minh has passed away, but currently, there are still some people in the locality who have learned the art of performing Ba Trao singing and can play the roles of the 'Generals'. However, it needs to be properly organized and promoted again, otherwise Ba Trao singing will fade away."

Currently, the preservation and development of the folk art of Ba Trao singing faces many difficulties. Worryingly, most young people are indifferent to or lack the opportunity to experience this art form. They do not fully understand the value of this national intangible cultural heritage – Ba Trao singing. Therefore, passing on this art form to the younger generation is difficult.

Furthermore, with the implementation of a two-tiered local government model, the conservation and development of cultural heritage in general, and the intangible cultural heritage of Ba Trao singing in particular, in Tam Xuan, Tam Anh, Nui Thanh, and Tam Hai communes, require attention from the City People's Committee and the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism through specific solutions.

Following a previous proposal from the former Nui Thanh district, the higher-level cultural sector is interested in researching and assisting the locality in restoring intangible cultural heritage in the area, especially the art of Ba Trao singing; and in implementing policies to support those participating in training and directly performing this unique art form, with the aim of developing a project to preserve and promote the intangible cultural heritage of Ba Trao singing in the southern localities of Da Nang city.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/di-san-hat-ba-trao-can-duoc-bao-ton-3306184.html